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Holiday

Halloween Decor Appears Early at the Magic Kingdom

We visited the Magic Kingdom last weekend and were surprised to see how much of the park had been festooned with fall decorations. Specifically, September 2nd, a full two months ahead of time, seemed a bit early for the Halloween decorations to be up. I know they get away with it by claiming it’s a harvest festival, but with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starting on the September 11th this year, I have to wonder how soon is to soon to celebrate a holiday at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?

View our gallery with 16 pictures of Halloween decorations below the jump.

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Disney Cruise Line Promises A Christmas To Remember

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:

  • “King Triton’s Tree Lighting” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where a young guest helps Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
  • Family holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, building gingerbread houses, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
  • Holiday storytellers sharing tales of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Plus, a story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
  • Traditional holiday feasts in the Disney Cruise Line themed dining rooms.
  • “Til We Meet Again” (Disney Magic/Disney Wonder) features a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

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.

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Disney Cruise Line Sets Halloween Entertainment for Late October

It’s going to bee a not-so-scary time aboard the Disney Cruise Line this Halloween. The four ships will treat guests sailing during late October to a spook-tacular good time with special activities and holiday themed events. Guests of all ages will enjoy the special decorations,… Read More »Disney Cruise Line Sets Halloween Entertainment for Late October

2012 Disney World Halloween Merchandise Now Available

As I was walking through Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, I spotted a merchandise display all set up with new Halloween themed merchandise for 2012. The merchandise team has really generated some great creative this year. From the Fab Four to the Hitch-Hiking Ghosts of the Haunted Mansion I think there’s something for every fan to like this year.

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Disneyland Extends Candlelight Processional to Lengthy 20 Nights

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

Walt Disney World Plans Magical 2012 Winter Holiday Season

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.

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