Update: This live event has concluded. Check out highlights of the fireworks spectacular below.
Celebrate the season with #DisneyParksLIVE tonight as we present "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular live from Disneyland park! Our live stream will begin at 8:40 p.m. PST. Just one of the many returning favorites our guests are enjoying during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks brings the magic of the season to the skies.
Tonight's lovely "After Dark" image of the Partners statue was snapped at Magic Kingdom Park, with a glittering Cinderella Castle in the background.
The 189-foot-tall castle sparkles each night throughout the holiday season, making the Partners statue and its surrounding area a must-stop area for guests wanting to snap a great holiday photo. Guests can also see the castle come to "light" in the nightly "A Frozen Holiday Wish" stage show, in which Queen Elsa stops by and uses her magical powers to cover the castle in glittering ice as a special gift to the kingdom.
Thanks to photographer Mark Willard for the image.
I'm so giddy over the holidays and I'm finally on track to finish decorating my Christmas tree this week…okay, maybe I've been stalling on purpose. Why, you ask? Because Disney is part of my holiday tradition (in more ways than just ornaments), and tonight I can finish decorating my tree while watching "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" from 9/8c on ABC!
This year's holiday tradition kicks off with a spectacular opening number by special hosts Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey on the Cinderella Castle stage at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The star-studded line-up includes Ciara, Darius Rucker, Fifth Harmony, Fitz and the Tantrums, Hanson, In Real Life, Jason Derulo, Lea Michelle, Joey McIntyre, 98°, Sofia Carson, and Broadway's Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs of "Aladdin."
Let's see what some of our favorite stars had to share!
Things heat up when Tony Award-winning actress Idina Menzel joins fellow "Frozen" star Kristen Bell on the steps of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California to perform together for the first time on primetime television. Joined by an extraordinary 30-piece choir, the pair will sing "When We're Together" from the brand-new Walt Disney Animation Studios featurette, "Olaf's Frozen Adventure." The spectacular finale performance is not to be missed. Check out the clip below!
During the show, all will be treated to a sneak peak at Disney's new Star Wars-themed lands, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, opening at both Disneyland Park in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 2019.
From the edge of the galaxy "to infinity and beyond," viewers will also discover Andy's world in the new Toy Story Land set to open next summer at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
To make the season even brighter, the show will feature a castle lighting extravaganza from Disney theme parks around the world.
Get ready to sing along and follow the magic with us tonight! #DisneyHolidayCelebration
Visiting with some of Disney's most fascinating people is among the great privileges of my career, and it's one I don't take for granted. While I value every interaction with these extraordinary storytellers, the conversations I cherish most are those I'm so fortunate to have with Disney Legends, from contemporary stars to the talented artists who worked with Walt Disney himself.
On Dec. 10, I'll enjoy the exceedingly rare opportunity to visit with a legend who fits both of those categories when Disney Legend Kurt Russell spends what promises to be 90 memorable minutes with Disney Vacation Club Members at Epcot before narrating the Candlelight Processional.
The now-iconic star of the silver screen landed his first Disney role at age 15, appearing in the 1966 film "Follow Me, Boys!" with Fred MacMurray (who would go on to become the very first Disney Legend). Walt took an instant liking to Kurt and signed him to a studio contract that would see the young actor appear in a dozen Disney features after Walt's passing, from "The Barefoot Executive to The One and Only," "Genuine," "Original Family Band" (a Sherman Brothers musical on which Kurt would meet the love of his life, Goldie Hawn). Russell's Disney credits have continued to grow in my lifetime to include the 1981 animated classic The Fox and the Hound (as the voice of grown-up hound Copper), the 1992 Touchstone Pictures comedy "Captain Ron," the 1993 Hollywood Pictures Western "Tombstone" (as Wyatt Earp), the 2004 inspirational sports film "Miracle" (as legendary U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks), Marvel's 2017 megahit "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2" and more.
Away from the camera, Russell has earned critical acclaim as a winemaker, following a passion that began with bicycle trips through the wine regions of France, Italy and California with the aforementioned Goldie Hawn. You'll find Russell's GoGi Wines at a variety of fine Disney restaurants, including Citricos, Flying Fish, Le Cellier Steakhouse, The Hollywood Brown Derby and Victoria & Alberts at Walt Disney World Resort; Markham's at Golden Oak; and Club 33, Napa Rose, Carthay Circle, 1901 Lounge and Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Resort.
Russell's intimate afternoon with just 60 Members at Epcot will begin with an approximately 45-minute, on-stage conversation with me about his Disney, filmmaking and winemaking career, during which attendees will taste two varieties of GoGi Wines. As eagerly as I anticipate that visit, I'm even more excited about the second half of the event, when attendees will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally meet this incomparable Disney Legend.
This special Membership Magic event, priced at $125 a person plus tax, will take place from noon-1:30 p.m. in the East Hall of the World Showplace pavilion at Epcot. As an added bonus, attendees will enjoy priority seating for Kurt's 5 p.m. performance of that evening's Candlelight Processional.
Call Member Services for reservations, and watch for highlights of my visit with Kurt Russell in a future edition of Disney Files Magazine and through the new Disney Files On Demand, an evolving collection of video interviews available for viewing anytime online at http://ift.tt/2niLjNx.
Have you seen the new Disney•Pixar film "Coco" yet? Earlier this month, 400 Disney Parks Blog readers were treated to an early sneak peek of the film – and raved about it!
Miguel, a young aspiring musician, dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol Ernesto De La Cruz, despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music. Miguel ultimately teams up with charming trickster Héctor on an extraordinary journey through the land of the dead to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. It's a spectacular celebration of family and togetherness.
For a look inside our "Coco" event, check out the video above. And tell us in the comments section below what you loved most about the film. Disney•Pixar's Coco is now playing in theaters in 3D.
One of the things we love most about our European cruises is that they provide a way for families to explore history and culture together. These cruises offer bucket-list adventures that bring to life what kids learn about in school, from stunning architecture and priceless art, to legendary tales of the Vikings and fascinating stories of ancient Roman rule.
What's more, visiting Europe with Disney Cruise Line is like two vacations in one – the opportunity to explore the world with your family, all while experiencing the magic of Disney! After a day of sightseeing and adventure in port, you return to your home-away-from-home aboard the Disney Magic where you'll be treated to first-class dining, accommodations and entertainment.
We caught up with several families on our European voyages this past summer, asking what stood out the most to them during their Disney cruise vacation. Here's what they had to say …
The Disney Magic returns to Europe in the summer of 2018 with cruises to the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norway, Iceland and the British Isles. In addition to visiting amazing ports of call, guests on these cruises will be among the first to experience the brand-new spaces coming to the Disney Magic, including a restaurant themed to "Tangled" that will transport you to the kingdom of Corona.
If your family has vacationed in Europe with us before, we want to hear from you, too. Let us know in the comments your favorite part of your European Disney cruise.
For the past few months, we've been boarding the "The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed" to give you a closer look at the classic Disneyland park attraction, "it's a small world," and the different cultures and countries it features. So far, we have traveled to Latin America and Europe, and this month we will continue the journey with our third destination – the Pacific Islands.
Turquoise waters, pastel shades of coral and pounding surf surround you as you enter the tropical Pacific Islands, which include nations from Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
From the tropical islands of New Guinea and Borneo, drummers wearing brightly painted ceremonial masks play in front of South Seas Island lodges painted to resemble smiling faces.
On a sandy beach with swaying palm trees, Polynesian girls wearing lei headpieces, sea shell necklaces and grass skirts perform a fast-paced Tahitian dance while shaking 'uli'uli to the upbeat tempo.
Across the way, King Kamehameha – the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii – wears his famous headdress while riding in an malia, an outrigger canoe. Shining bright above him is a batik-styled sun.
Be sure to visit next month to find where our travels will take us next!
The holiday season is well under way here at the Walt Disney World Resort. No matter what you'll be celebrating this season – Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, or even National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (coming up on December 15) – we have a Disney Parks Blog wallpaper for you.
To choose a design, simply click on the image above and you'll find a desktop wallpaper.
Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here.
Last night, hundreds of readers enjoyed a taste of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort at our Disney Parks Blog Festival of Holidays Meet-Up! Now in its second year, Festival of Holidays has returned with a new take on delicious holiday comfort food and all-new cultural favorites.
Meet-up guests enjoyed many of these favorites at select Festive Foods Marketplaces, open especially for this after-hours event.
Clarabelle Cow and Pluto made special appearances at the event, along with musical groups The Sound and Holiday Toy Drummers.
Did you attend the Disney Parks Blog Festival of Holidays Meet-Up? Tell us about your favorite Festival of Holiday taste or treat in the comments!
Riding the wave of the epic film opening of Marvel Studios' "Thor: Ragnarok," guests aboard the Disney Magic are finding even more ways to unleash their inner Super Heroes and mythical gods during Marvel Day at Sea. And a huge thrill for everyone, the mischievous Loki is making his debut as part of a Disney vacation experience for the first time ever!
While onboard, you may come face-to-face with Thor or catch Loki lurking around the ship, as these half-brothers take a brief break from fighting side-by-side or their latest bout of sibling rivalry. In fact, Loki's presence on Marvel Day at Sea marks his very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience.
If you happen upon Loki, he may charm you like only the God of Mischief can. But always remember, Loki is a roguish trickster, burdened with the glorious purpose of spreading mayhem!
Thor and Loki also appear in "Marvel Heroes Unite" – the action-packed stunt spectacular that showcases Marvel Super Heroes and Villains, facing off in a sensational battle at sea.
During Marvel Day at Sea and on all Disney ships, year-round, you can see the biggest Disney and Marvel films onboard, the same day they are released on land. Marvel Studios' "Thor: Ragnarok" is now showing now across the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Marvel Day at Sea is on select 7- and 8-night Disney Cruise Line sailings from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we unveil more details, and take a look back at past posts to get up to speed on this unforgettable day at sea:
Treat yourself to something sweet this holiday season at Disneyland Resort! Our talented candy makers have prepared a delicious array of holiday sweets this year, ranging from candy apples and marshmallow wands to candy canes and fudge. You'll find these at the many candy locations throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks during Holidays at Disneyland Resort. Be sure to make a sweet trip to a candy shop to try these goodies!
First up are some new gingerbread treats. Try these yummy Mickey Mouse- and Minnie Mouse-shaped gingerbread crispy treats or gingerbread candy apples – all handmade, coated in gingerbread-flavored sugar and decorated with icing.
And you can find even more delicious candy apples, like the peppermint dark chocolate apple coated in candy-covered chocolate, a Sandy Claws apple, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse apples dipped in chocolate and coated in red sugar.
In addition to the gingerbread crispy treats, a snowflake cake pop is available, as well as a Jack Skellington cake pop and a cute little snowman cake pop – wearing earmuffs!
If you're looking for your peppermint fix, then we've got some treats for you, like the peppermint marshmallow wand – marshmallows dipped in chocolate and coated with crushed candy cane pieces. You can also find a peppermint bark and peppermint fudge and, of course, the famous Disneyland hand-pulled candy canes (only available at Candy Palace in Disneyland park and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park). For more details – see my recent blog post about this annual Disneyland tradition.
There are also candy treats available at this year's Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park. At A Twist on Tradition, you'll find a delicious horchata fudge; and at Spicy Celebrations, you'll find spicy peanut brittle. Both of these treats can be found at the Festive Foods Marketplace until Jan. 7.
With the holidays fast approaching, I'm looking forward to the tradition of gathering with loved ones to savor delicious food. Food traditions around the world – whether it's hand-crafting cheese in Greece or delicately preparing the perfect Italian pasta – help bring people together in a special way. With Adventures by Disney you can savor many of these time-honored food traditions firsthand, bringing the stories (and flavors) of a destination to life.
Check out this video that showcases some of my favorite Adventures by Disney food experiences worldwide!
Want your own tasty adventure? Give your family the ultimate holiday gift of an unforgettable vacation to Europe! During 21 Days of Savings, enjoy $250 off per person on 10 incredible trips*. Plus, receive a limited-edition Adventures by Disney print per reservation. Book through Dec. 12, 2017.
*$250 per person discount taken from the non-discounted prevailing European land package price as quoted on AdventuresByDisney.com on the date of booking ("Regular Rate"). Regular Rates vary by departure date and time of booking and are subject to change. Lead guest shall receive one (1) limited-edition Adventures by Disney print ("Print") per reservation. Lead guest of the booking party must travel on the trip booked. Valid on new bookings only. Discount not applicable towards deposit. Offer valid on a limited number of reservations on each departure date. Bookings are subject to availability. Neither offer nor Print is transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part and neither can be sold or transferred for commercial use. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer is subject to change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and Adventures by Disney's standard terms and conditions.
Have you had the chance to see Disney•Pixar's "Coco"? I have and have fallen in love with the main character, Miguel.
So, in honor of what has become one of my favorite movies, let's take a closer look at Miguel's style.
As an aspiring musician, he rocks a casual look that is super easy to achieve. After all, visiting la Tierra de los Muertos requires some comfy shoes!
So if Miguel is one of your kids' newest heroes (he's definitely mine), here are some ideas on how to recreate his classic simplicity with items I found at Disney Springs.
At UNIQLO, you can find this red jacket that closely resembles Miguel's. And not only that! You can also get a pair of blue jeans and white tank top. Talk about one-stop shopping! For the comfy shoes, head over to Sperry. At their kids section, you will find this pair of dark burgundy shoes that are perfect to complete the look.
Listo! Just pick up that guitarra and rock this outfit!
Make sure to catch Disney•Pixar's "Coco" in theaters and experience this fantastic tale full of color and emoción!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party adds holiday cheer to Magic Kingdom Park on select nights throughout the month of December.
This party is a must-do for Disney guests, and is packed with special holiday shows, fireworks, a parade, unforgettable character greetings and so much more.
We recently asked park guests to tell us what they love to do and see most at this cheerful event. Their answers ranged from specific entertainment to decor and even yummy treats exclusive to the party.
Any guess what their number one pick was? Check out the video above.
Don't forget to tell us what you love most about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in the comments section below.
#DisneyParksLIVE is celebrating the holiday season at Disneyland park this Thursday, Nov. 30, with a live stream of "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular!
The holidays begin here at the Disneyland Resort, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is in full swing, with returning favorites such as "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks, "A Christmas Fantasy" parade and Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle at Disneyland park; and Festival of Holidays, including Disney ¡Viva Navidad! and "World of Color – Winter Dreams" at Disney California Adventure park. There is even new festive holiday decor at Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Tune in for our live stream of "Believe … in Holiday Magic" fireworks spectacular Nov. 30 beginning at 8:40 p.m. PST, and find out how you can participate in the live stream yourself here on the Disney Parks Blog and on Twitter at @DisneyParks!
It's official. With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is here. And at Disney Springs, it's not only here, but bigger and better than ever. That goes for everything from holiday shopping
to entertainment, and of course, to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail!
Back for its second year, the Tree Trail now boasts 25 Disney-inspired trees, including ten
additions featuring iconic characters. Wondering what's new? Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Sleeping
Beauty, Pinocchio, Snow White, Dumbo, Fantasia, and Lady and the Tramp now take center
stage with trees themed to these beloved stories. There's also a tree featuring an assortment of
ornaments that are all available at the nearby Disney's Days of Christmas store. (Tip: look for
the featured ornament on ALL the trees, housed inside a special display lantern; most are
available for purchase, while supplies last.) And one of my favorites—the Disney Springs
Tree—showcases the many retail brands here on property – one look reminds me that I can
pretty much complete all of my Christmas shopping without leaving property.
Call me a traditionalist, but in spite of the many options, my top pick is still the classic Mickey
and Minnie tree. That's the beauty of the expanded Tree Trail – there really is something for
everyone!
Based on the popularity of this new seasonal staple, hours have been extended an additional
hour every Friday and Saturday and also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Tree Trail is
offered through the holiday season, and will run through January 7, 2018. The updated
operating hours are as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 12 pm to 10 pm
Friday – Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm
Christmas Eve, 12/24: 10 am to 11 pm
Christmas Day, 12/25: 10 am to 11 pm
Have you visited the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail yet? If so, share your best photos on
Twitter and Instagram using our hashtag "#DisneySprings" for your chance to be featured on
our social media handles. I'd also love to know which tree you love most, so feel free to let me
know in the comments below!
