This weekend marked the official return to Halloween at Disneyland. Once again Jack Skellington and the gang from Nightmare Before Christmas has taken over the Haunted Mansion to create Haunted Mansion Holiday. Technical director Joe Peters gives us a fantastic tour of the creative overlay… Read More »Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Reopens with Nightmare Before Christmas Overlay
I include the Frost family among the many families who make a pilgrimage to Disneyland or Disney World around the holidays as part of a family tradition. But I also know a fair number of families and friends who make an effort to take on of the Disney Cruise Line’s special holiday themed voyages as well. With the list of entertainment released this week, I can’t say I blame them.
Disney Cruise Line kicks off the holiday cheer with special Thanksgiving voyages setting sail Nov. 17 with a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic, Nov. 18 with a seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise on the Disney Wonder, Nov. 21 with a four-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream and Nov. 17 with a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy. Guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire.
Special stem-to-stern holiday events begin in December during each of the cruises and include:
When the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream and Disney Wonder stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets, holiday carolers, and holiday-themed activities and crafts for children.
Onboard activities include holiday crafts for youngsters and the big NFL football games broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screen – Funnel Vision – located near the Goofy’s family pool on deck 9 of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder and near Donald’s family pool on deck 11 of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Read More »Disney Cruise Line Promises A Christmas To Remember
Believe it or not, I have fond memories of camping out in Disneyland’s Town Square for most of the day just to catch a semi-obstructed view of the train station while Michael York or some other celebrity narrated the traditional Candlelight Ceremony and Processional. It… Read More »Disneyland Extends Candlelight Processional to Lengthy 20 Nights
For many fans Walt Disney World has two seasons, the winter holidays and everything else. There is no question that the parks, resorts, and surrounding areas look all the more magical with the Christmas decorations. Guests are often in a better mood too as they share some special family time in the parks. This year the holiday season starts building on November 9th and Walt Disney World has lined up some extra merry for good measure.
In fact, here is a video from Disney showing how preparations are already underway for this year’s decorations.
Here are some of the highlights from around the resort:
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2012: Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees. The fun includes the Holiday Wishes nighttime spectacular: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.
Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.
Read More »Walt Disney World Plans Magical 2012 Winter Holiday Season
A couple years back, I finally gave in and started collecting Hallmark ornaments. In addition to the expected assortment of Santas, snowmen, and wintery scenes, they also do quite a bit of licensed products, including multiple Disney ornaments every year. Being the DisNerd that I am, those are a huge part of what I buy.
This weekend is Ornament Premier, when over half of Hallmark’s new ornament line for the year first appears in stores. And while some of you may be thinking it’s too early to be thinking about Christmas, Hallmark ornaments fans like yours truly will be visiting Hallmark stores all over the country to get our first look at the ornaments for the year and make purchases.
Limited Edition Ornaments
One reason Hallmark collectors rush in are the limited edition ornaments that are available that day. Some wind up being more sought after than others. Last year, a Harry Potter limited edition ornament sold out within hours, although that is a rarity. Still, if you are interested in a limited piece, I recommend going sooner rather than later.
This July there are two limited edition ornaments that Disney fans might find interesting. Both compliment on-going series of Hallmark ornaments. The first is a Precious Moments version of Rupunzel. And yes, it also includes Pascal.
The second Disney limited edition ornament is Traffic Trouble. A black/white/gray ornament, it features Mickey in a car inspired by the classic Black and White cartoon of the same name.
AP and D23 previews of Carsland and Buena Vista Street are in full swing, and they are looking fantastic! The rides, shops, and restaurants are all themed incredibly by the WDI team. I have heard that they will be having some outstanding holiday decorations this… Read More »DCA History Lesson: A California Christmas
I hope the holidays finds you and yours in the best of possible places. Christmas is always a special time for Disney fans. Our homes look extra bright, Mickey shaped wreaths mysteriously appear on doors, and those once a year collectibles are all spread out… Read More »Season’s Greetings from The Disney Blog
Tom Bricker, whose Disneyland Christmas Timelapse Video we posted earlier, is back with a timelapse photography look at Walt Disney World during the merriest season. There’s a lot to fit into under 3 minutes, but he really captured a lot of it. Plus this was… Read More »Walt Disney World Christmas Timelapse Video 2011