Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we looked ahead to the holidays and shared an exciting update on the celebrity narrators for the highly anticipated Candlelight Processional during the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Nov. 22-Dec. 30.

As Disney Parks Blog readers know, the Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved events at the Walt Disney World Resort. And this year, for the first time, performances of the Candlelight Processional begin on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22.

The event is just one of many ways to experience holiday magic at Epcot. Visit our original Candlelight Processional Narrators, Food & Merchandise story for more information. And to plan your visit, check out DisneyWorld.com/Holidays.

Did you catch our #DisneyParksLIVE stream reveal of where Disney Cruise Line is sailing in 2020? If not, you can watch the replay this weekend.

We announced that in early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will be setting sail from New Orleans for the very first time!

And we also announced a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands, along with tropical cruises from Puerto Rico, Florida and California. Visit our original Disney Cruise Line story for more details.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

• 13 Festive Photo Moments During Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort – To make your Halloween time visit picture-perfect, add these essential 13 photo moments to your checklist!
• Walt Disney World Resort Sweet Treats: September 2018 – As September comes to a close, Alex has some yummy sweets to share with you in this month's edition of Sweet Treats!
• World's Biggest Mouse Party Coming to Shanghai Disney Resort – There's no party like a Mouse Party, and nobody knows how to throw one like the "leader of the club that's made for you and me!"
• Double the Attractions, Double the Fun at the Newly Expanded Early Morning Magic – Early Morning Magic at Magic Kingdom Park is a blast. And we're excited to share with you that starting on Dec. 2, Early Morning Magic will be bigger and better than ever!
• Celebrate Halloween with Play Disney Parks' Spooky New Experiences and Wallpapers – Halloween spirits have cast a spell on the #PlayDisneyParks app, giving it a frightfully fun look for the season along with some new treats and tunes!
• Spectacular 32,000-Piece Domino Maze Celebrates Disney's Toy Story Land, Pixar with Exclusive Tricks, Classic Toys – To continue our celebration of the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we decided to "PLAY BIG" with an elaborate, one-of-a-kind maze of dominoes you must see to believe.

#DisneyKids: Look Like a Buccaneer for a Day at The Pirates League

If your seafaring wannabe has a quest for an authentic pirate look for Halloween, during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or any time of the year, be sure to check out The Pirates League tucked away in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.

Here amazing pirate masters use their artistry to create swashbuckling transformations for guests ages 3 and older with just a little yo-ho-ho. Depending on the package, makeovers can include beards, tattoos, eye patches, scars, makeup, and more, with creations that can resemble Captain Hook, Ghosted Pirate, Zombie, Blackbeard for the boys, and a mermaid or an empress for the girls if they don't want to go the pirate route. If you go, be sure to take lots of pictures during the super cute pirate oath ceremony! Check out these plundering pirates as they share their experience at The Pirate's League. Ahoy matey, what are you waiting for? Reservations for The Pirates League can be made up to 180 days in advance and are highly recommended. For booking, please call (407) WDW-CREW or (407) 939-2739. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Welcoming Our New Ambassadors Into the Role of a Lifetime

More than a half-century after introducing our very first Disney Ambassador in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park, we are honored to be keeping the time-honored tradition and legacy alive by welcoming Marilyn West and Stephen Lim into the coveted roles of the 2019-2020 Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador team.

The pair will step into the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in January, when they will formally begin their two-year term as representatives of Walt Disney World Resort, our guests, cast members and heritage. Marilyn and Stephen will also continue the legacy of championing the efforts of Disney VoluntEARS in the community while recognizing and celebrating the many achievements and milestones of our 74,000 cast members.

Enjoy their warm and surprise welcome into the Ambassador family.

Play, Stay, Dine and Save at Walt Disney World Resort in 2019

With the debut of fun new offerings at Walt Disney World Resort in 2019, now, more than ever is the time to book a getaway at your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotel with a choice between two great ways to save!

In January 2019, your family can dance with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends during Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park, play big with your favorite Pixar pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios, enjoy an all-new "Hakuna Matata Time Dance party" inspired by Walt Disney Pictures' "The Lion King" at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park and jump into festival fun at Epcot.

You can Play, Stay, Dine and Save up to $500 for a family of four on a five-night/six-day Walt Disney Travel Company room, theme park ticket and dining plan package at a select Disney Resort hotel, for arrivals most nights Jan. 1 through March 9, 2019. Or you can save 25 percent on rooms for stays most nights Jan. 1 through April 27, 2019 at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels with the Gift of Magic offer. The number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. These offers may be booked through Jan. 2, 2019.

Get more information about the Play, Stay, and Dine offer here, and learn more about the Gift of Magic offer here!

As guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels, your family will enjoy a variety of magical benefits that help you get the most out of your vacation, including early access to FastPass+ selections, Extra Magic Hours in one theme park each day, complimentary resort transportation options and more!

Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up Offers Readers Dreadful Delights and Halloween Frights at Disneyland Park

Last night, we hosted 300 fans at the Disney Parks Blog Halloween Meet-Up at Disneyland park!

The meet-up included a delightfully eerie Halloween party set along the shores of Rivers of America. Spooky decor set the festive tone for the evening. The Halloween-themed fête featured an array of creep-tastic entertainment. The scare-olers roamed the party, while an artist showed off her creative pumpkin carving talents.

No party would be complete without plenty of photo opps! Jack Skellington and Sally even made a grand entrance and greeted guests throughout the evening.

Guests were also treated to some Halloween-themed bites. I heard that the Black Rose Dessert (which can be found at Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland park) was a favorite!

Following the party, guests materialized in New Orleans Square for a special after-hours ride through Haunted Mansion Holiday – a beloved tradition during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort!

Did you join us for the Disney Parks Blog Halloween Meet-Up? Tell us about it in the comments!

Young Princesses ‘Dream Big’ at Disney Springs

Earlier this month, I shared some of my favorite ways to celebrate your favorite princess at Disney Springs. Over the weekend, nearly a dozen young girls visited the property and had the chance to experience the magic firsthand. I was thrilled to be part of it!

What I loved most about the day was seeing the little girls so happy in their favorite princess dresses and hearing how Disney Princesses have inspired them to be adventurous, pursue their passions, and follow their dreams. They used adjectives like, "smart, brave and kind" to describe their favorite Disney heroines, and it was clear those words described the group, and their moms and dads, too.

Not only did they get transformed at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but they also enjoyed watching Disney's "Princess and the Frog" at AMC Theatre as part of a limited-engagement princess Movie Marathon now through Oct. 18.

Check out the video below to catch a glimpse of their inspiring day, perfectly timed to help celebrate the latest "Dream Big, Princess" campaign that aims to empower the next generation to aim high and follow their dreams.

Keep an eye on the Disney Princess social media handles, where a series of inspiring videos will debut just in time for "International Day of the Girl" on October 11, 2018. (The best part? Disney Worldwide Services will donate $1 to the United Nations' "Girl Up" Initiative for every like or share of a video or photo with the tag #DreamBigPrincess on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter from October 10 through November 20, 2018 – up to $1 million in support of girls' leadership and empowerment.)

Which Disney Princess inspires you most? Share in the comments below, I'd love to know!

Celebrate National Coffee Day at Walt Disney World Resort with Joffrey’s!

Is there anything better than that first sip of coffee in the morning? What about enjoying that first sip while you head to Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park or on your stroll through Future World at Epcot? As a coffee enthusiast and former barista, National Coffee Day is a pretty big deal to me! And here at Walt Disney World Resort, it's easier than ever to celebrate your favorite way to get your caffeine fix.

Thanks to our friends at Joffrey's Coffee and Tea, there are countless ways to celebrate this delicious day! For starters, all day on September 29th, Joffrey's is offering hot (16 oz.) or iced (24 oz.) coffee for just $1.00! Put that pocket change to good use and treat yourself to a cup of joe!

Wondering where you can snag this deal on your morning kick-start or mid-day pick-me-up? Here's a full list of Joffrey's locations at Walt Disney World Resort.

And of course, no national holiday is complete without the perfect picture to feature on your social pages. Head over to Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Company at Disney Springs to top off your drink with some fun, foam art!

If you're like me and plan to celebrate National Coffee Day all year long, you can stock up on Disney-inspired ground coffee. I can't wait to try the newest line, which celebrates none other than the true original himself, Mickey Mouse! Check out these specialty brews and pick up your favorite today at Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company.

How do you plan to celebrate this delectable day? Share your caffeinated images with us on social and don't forget to use the hashtags #NationalCoffeeDay and #JoffreysMoments.

Shop The Dooney & Bourke Villains Ear Hat Bag Collection at Ever After at Disney Springs Sept. 29

Looking for a great way to kick off Halloween at the Walt Disney World Resort? We're happy to share today that the Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke will officially debut at Ever After at Disney Springs on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke includes a tote and wristlet. Featuring an allover pattern of various Disney Villains embodied as ear hats, this collection is the epitome of evil elegance! Purchase of these items is limited to 2 per guest, while supplies last.

Ever After will be open on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. The Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke will also be available at Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney Cruise Line to Sail from New Orleans for First Time in Early 2020

I know many of you are excited to get more details about the news we broke yesterday, so let's get to it! (If you missed our live reveal, you can watch the replay here.)

In early 2020, we'll be setting sail from New Orleans for the very first time! Families can join us aboard the Disney Wonder for a tropical getaway combined with incredible Disney entertainment. Six cruises during our limited-time season from New Orleans include four-, six- and seven-night Western Caribbean sailings; a seven-night Bahamian cruise; and a 14-night Panama Canal voyage.

Those of you from the area, get ready to experience the magic of having a Disney ship in your own backyard. And if you're joining us from farther away, take time before or after your Disney cruise to discover the Southern charm that's made New Orleans famous. You can savor the distinct flavors of New Orleans cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and revel in the sweet melodies of world-renowned jazz music.

In New Orleans, you'll find magic around every corner as you recognize the iconic sights and sounds that inspired the beloved animated film "The Princess and the Frog." Then onboard the Disney Wonder, you'll be treated to a celebration of New Orleans dining and entertainment at Tiana's Place restaurant with a menu that draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou and live music that sets a French Quarter supper club atmosphere.

And that's not all! We also announced a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands, along with tropical cruises from Puerto Rico, Florida and California. Read on for more details, and then start planning your Disney cruise vacation for early 2020!

Long-Awaited Return to Hawaii
After a five-year hiatus, the Disney Wonder will return to Hawaii in early 2020 for two special cruises: a nine-night voyage to Honolulu from Vancouver, Canada, on April 29, and a 10-night sailing back to Vancouver on May 8. You can discover the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, including the famous beaches of Waikiki on Oahu; the views from high atop the summit of Haleakala on Maui; the lush tropical gardens and waterfalls of Kauai; and the diverse natural wonders of Hawaii Island.

Popular Itineraries from Puerto Rico and California
The Disney Wonder continues its standout season with returns to popular home ports on both coasts. First, the ship sets sail for the Southern Caribbean during two seven-night voyages departing Jan. 19 and 26 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, followed by a five-night Bahamian cruise. Then beginning on March 20, the ship embarks on seven sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, ranging in length from two to seven nights, from San Diego, California.

Unforgettable Tropical Getaways from Florida
In early 2020, we will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida, and every cruise includes a day of fun in the sun on Disney's private Bahamian island reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, Castaway Cay.

• From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises and five-night Western Caribbean cruises.
• From Port Canaveral, near Orlando, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, plus two special sailings at six- and eight-nights each. The Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises.

With a variety of options from Florida, you can choose the vacation that provides something for everyone in your family, combining the adventure and relaxation of tropical destinations, the ease and indulgence of an ocean cruise, and the world-class entertainment and service of a Disney vacation.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 4, 2018. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com.

Fall Virtual Backdrops Have Arrived at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

The Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Disney Springs Marketplace has a large variety of virtual backdrops available year round, including those featuring scenes from your favorite Disney shows, movies and attractions. But did you know this studio also offers a great selection of seasonal backdrops?

Even though it doesn't quite feel like it yet in Florida, it's officially fall. To help you celebrate, the studio is offering backdrops that capture the spirit of Halloween and autumn!

Reservations are not required, so you can visit whenever is most convenient for you. Just be sure to visit soon, as many of these backdrops are only available for a limited time.

After you've braved the heat and trekked to the studio in your scarf, boots and flannel, you'll probably be wondering how to download your photos. You can download photos individually for $16.95 each at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, or you can purchase Memory Maker One Day for $69 to get digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos linked to your account that were taken at Walt Disney World Resort on that day!*

Memory Maker One Day is available in the My Disney Experience app once you've linked at least one photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement. You can also purchase Memory Maker One Day at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.

Even though fall in Florida feels as warm as summer, we hope you can enjoy these cool photo opportunities!

Disney PhotoPass Service at Walt Disney World Resort is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy available here. Online registration required. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here.

Something Wicked Runs This Way: 2018 Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend Celebrates Villains and More

Returning for its third year, participants from around the world joined for the 2018 Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend for a wicked weekend celebration of the Disney Villains. With three race events and three challenges, the weekend was filled with creative costumes, fun characters and entertainment, making for another unforgettable experience!

Casting his shadow into the start of the race weekend celebration, Thanos from the Marvel Universe gazed over runners for the Disneyland Paris 5K, an evening race through the streets of Walt Disney Studios Park.

Pain and Panic joined their leader Hades in taking over the Disneyland Paris 10K as runners made their way for 6.2 miles through the Disneyland Paris Resort.

Finishing off the weekend, runners in the Disneyland Paris-Val d'Europe Half Marathon made their way through the theme parks and the picturesque French countryside to complete their 13.1-mile adventure.

A big felicitations to participants who took on one or more of the three exciting race challenges, including the 31K Challenge and the debut of the 36K Challenge where runners completed all three events for a total of 22.4 miles. Those runners who participated in both the Half Marathon and a runDisney Marathon or Half Marathon from this year were able to earn their Castle to Château Challenge medal.

Don't miss out on one of the most magical race weekends in Europe as dates and packages are now available for the 2019 Disneyland Paris Run Weekend. Joined us for this year's event? Be sure to share your race moments with us using #runDisneyFrance and #DisneylandParisHalf.

Follow us:
Twitter: @runDisney; @runDisneyFrance
Instagram: @runDisney
Facebook: @runDisney ; @runDisneyFrance
YouTube: @runDisney

Celebrate the Legends of the Force at Disneyland Paris in 2019

Cue the epic music and grab your lightsaber, because "Legends of the Force – A Celebration of Star Wars" will take over Disneyland Paris from January 12 to March 17, 2019! With an out-of-this-world sound and light show and an impressive lineup of iconic characters, this limited-time event is a must-do for any Star Wars fan visiting the resort.

Relive the greatest moments of the Star Wars saga with the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away show several times during the day in Production Courtyard. Keep your eyes peeled for appearances by Rey, Kylo Ren, Darth Maul, and – for the first time in Disneyland Paris – the fearsome bounty hunter Boba Fett.

Whether you are part of the Resistance or feel the call to the Dark Side, stay alert for the First Order March led by Captain Phasma. At Walt Disney Studios Park, enjoy rare encounters with Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO (these are definitely the droids you'll be looking for!).

Use the Force and confront Darth Vader at Starport near Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, then catch a ride aboard the StarSpeeder 1000 for a journey across the galaxy's most recognizable planets. Accelerate your senses to lightspeed levels at Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, where you'll pilot an X-Wing and join the Resistance on an unforgettable expedition.

Disney Vacation Club Moms Panel Moments: Portfolio of Resorts

Our Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Parks Moms Panelists, Tania and Jerry, recently answered questions about our amazing Disney Vacation Club villas, including Copper Creek Villas & Cabins. Now, Jerry is back to share what his family loves about the flexibility of their Disney Vacation Club Membership, including Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, and all of the places their family can visit with seemingly endless possible vacations to enjoy year after year.

For more information about Disney Vacation Club or planning your next Disney vacation, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists.

V.I.PASSHOLDER Pop-Up Merchandise Event Offers First Access to Halloween Gifts at Magic Kingdom Park Sept. 28

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can get first access to exciting new Halloween merchandise during the first-ever V.I.PASSHOLDER Pop-up Merchandise Event, which is set to take place at the Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park from 7:30-9 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 28.

Merchandise that will be available includes:

• Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke – Show off your wicked style with the Villain Ear Hat Collection by Dooney & Bourke, including a tote, crossbody purse and wristlet. Featuring an allover pattern of various Disney Villains embodied as Ear Hats, this collection is the epitome of evil elegance. Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Purchase of these items is limited to 2 per Guest.
• Limited-Release Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghost Plush Set – Happy haunts materialize with this limited release collectible plush set. This item features individual plush of Ezra, Phineas and Gus all beautifully packaged in a Madame Leota tombstone-shaped box. A perfect addition for all cold-blooded collectors!
• Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Merchandise – Add a little spookiness to the holiday season with merchandise celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Annual Passholders can also expect to receive a complimentary beverage and a haunted treat at the event and may mingle with a few famous Disney faces as they shop.

Registration not required to attend this event. A valid annual pass and photo ID required at check-in. Merchandise will be available while supplies last. The 20% Passholder merchandise discount is applicable for purchases during this event.

Note: All other guests will be able to purchase these items starting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28.

Disney Parks After Dark: Disney’s Yacht Club Resort By Moonlight

Tonight's Disney Parks After Dark photo was snapped of the moon rising over Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

This New England-style yacht club resort is within walking distance to Epcot and a quick boat ride away from Disney's Hollywood Studios, and is home to the winding Stormalong Bay pool and the delicious Yachtsman Steakhouse restaurant.

What's your favorite feature of this resort?

Look Closer: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland Park

Today, we'll journey via motorcar to "Nowhere in Particular" on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland park. One of the original 1955 Opening Day "dark ride" attractions in Fantasyland, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is unique to Disneyland Resort.

The attraction takes guests on a wild speed race through the English countryside, wreaking havoc on the town along the way. We love a good joyride as much as the next toad, but the attraction moves quite quickly, racing past some of the finer details. So, let's look at some of the easily missed hidden humor and subtle British influence on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Approaching the grand manor known as Toad Hall, the home of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the English influence is unmistakable. A 19th century-inspired English weathervane tops one of the gables, and just above the entrance stands a stone statue of Mr. Toad himself, elegantly holding a cup of tea.

The motorcars themselves feature the names of various characters from the "Wind in the Willows" segment of the 1949 Disney feature film that inspired the attraction, "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." Fittingly, the steering wheels are placed on the right side of the vehicle as they would be in England. Motorcar names include: Mr. Toad, MacBadger, Moley, Ratty, Weasel, Winky and Cyril.

As guests dash through the wharf scene, look out for the famous Tower Bridge, an iconic London landmark. Careful observers can even spot the tiny lights of vehicles moving across.

The next room, the village square, contains two important details. First, in an upstairs window, the distinctive silhouette of Sherlock Holmes is faintly visible, a subtle ode to the British detective. Second, in an alcove to the right of the window stands a statue of a woman representing justice, holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other. The statue humorously foreshadows Mr. Toad's fate at the end of the attraction and the impending consequences of his joyride.

Just around the corner, as the statue of justice predicted, a judge wearing traditional English jurisprudence robes and a curly gray wig hands down the sentence.

We hope you enjoyed this inside look into the wacky world of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and remember the motto emblazoned on Mr. Toad's crest: Toadi Acceleratio Semper Absurda (A Speeding Toad is Always Absurd!)