18 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2018

With an amazing land set to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios this summer, plus the return of guest-favorite festivals and multitude of new dining locations, the year 2018 is shaping up to be thrilling for our guests.

If you're considering planning a Disney vacation in 2018, be sure to check out our 18 reasons why the new year should be the year for your Disney vacation!

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi-Inspired Additions Are On Display At Star Wars Launch Bay – New props and models from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were recently put on display to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

2. Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Hyper-Reality Experience by ILMxLAB and The VOID – This newly opened experience is guaranteed to be a hit for Star Wars fans in 2018. Located in Disney Springs, <em>Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout a multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion's survival.

3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Now Offers Two New Destinations – This attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios now takes passengers to two exciting new destinations: Crait, the site of an epic battle in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Batuu, the remote outpost guests will discover when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at the park in 2019.

4. 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Celebration Begins Jan. 3 – The Walt Disney World Marathon will mark its 25th anniversary this year. The race weekend will "run" from Jan. 3-7, and include a 5K, 10K, half-and-full marathon. Learn more about runDisney races here.

5. Epcot's International Festival of the Arts Expands To Run January 12-February 19 – Epcot's art festival returns for a second year, with this year's event offering seminars, workshops classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries. Guests can also enjoy world-class cuisine at the food studios, or enjoy a Disney on Broadway series performance. Full details here.

6. Disney After Hours Event Nights Return to Magic Kingdom Park January-March – Disney After Hours event nights will return to Magic Kingdom Park on January 19, 26, and 30, February 8 and 15, March 1 and 8. Experience an event that takes place after the park closes and is only open to a limited number of guests (which means much shorter lines) at 25 attractions and experiences.

7. Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new F&B locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, Enzo's Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates, sneak peeks at the menus and opening information.

8. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary – This year's festival will run from February 28-May 28. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids' activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.

9. Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates It's 20th Anniversary – Walt Disney World's theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, this year. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on how you can celebrate this milestone year with us.

10. An "UP"-Inspired Show Will Debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom This Spring – A new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar's film "UP" will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. Stay tuned for more on this new experience.

11. Celebrate The Mighty St. Patrick's Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs – Raglan Road is the place to be for St. Patty's Day, this March 17. The annual event features live music and Irish dance performances, plus plenty of great food.

12. Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut to guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. Guests can already catch a glimpse of what's in store inside the park's Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.

13. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Enhancements Will Debut This Summer – Several areas of this resort are currently undergoing enhancements, including a transformation for the resort's existing lobby, an expansion of Centertown Market, and the addition of a new Caribbean-inspired restaurant and pool bar.

14. Get Into The Halloween Spirit At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – This event is a must-do for guests visiting in the fall. Get ready to collect candy, dress in costumes, and enjoy Halloween entertainment like only Disney can create. Highlights of this special-ticket party include "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks, the "Boo-To-You Halloween Parade" and more. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for 2018 party dates.

15. Fall Will Be Unforgettable With The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Plan for a fantastic fall with the return of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The 2018 event will feature many guest favorites – including global marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, guest chef appearances, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and so much more.

16. Holiday Favorite Events Will Return – Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog throughout 2018 for vacation planning information useful for planning holiday visits, with updates on 2018 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, the Flurry of Fun celebration Disney's Hollywood Studios, holiday shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs, and more.

17. ESPN Wide World of Sports Will Expand – ESPN Wide World of Sports will open a new multi-use sports and entertainment venue in 2018. It will seat more than 8,000 guests and have the ability to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. For cheer and dance events, it will accommodate performance and warm-up space and include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas can be tailored for warm-up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. There will be concessions throughout the building, and additional box office and entry to the complex.

18. Look For More Updates on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019 – Slated to open in 2019, this entire land will allow guests to visit a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life – and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action. The lands will feature two major attractions that put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Each attraction – and even the land itself – will offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe like never before. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog throughout 2018 for updates on this thrilling new land.

18 Reasons to Visit a Disney Destination in 2018

Happy New Year!

The year 2018 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year of anniversaries, expansions and new experiences for guests visiting different Disney destinations around the world.

Here's a round-up of just some of the fun that's coming for our guests visiting our parks – and our cruise ships – in 2018.

The Disneyland Resort

1. New Dining, Retail & Family-Friendly Entertainment Coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Early 2018 – New dining and entertainment experiences are coming to Downtown Disney District very soon, including Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID and Splitsville Luxury Lanes. D-Street will also be reimagined into a retail space that offers Disney fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods.

2. Lunar New Year Festival Returns to Disney California Adventure Park, January 26 through February 18 – From January 26 through February 18, this spectacular festival will feature Hurry Home — Lunar New Year Celebration, a nighttime water show on Paradise Bay; specialty Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese foods at marketplaces; Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession; traditional crafts and more.

3. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Expands to Six Weeks in 2018 – Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will return March 2 through April 12, 2018, bringing delicious cuisine, specialty beverages and exciting entertainment to Disneyland Resort guests for its third season. The culinary festival will expand to six weeks, with more days for guests to enjoy the flavors of the Golden State. More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will feature California-inspired tastes and sips. Guests will experience presentations and demonstrations with celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine and Alex Guarnaschelli; food and beverage tastings; winemaker dinners; beer, wine and spirit seminars – all in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the festival.

4. Pixar Fest Brings Celebration of Friendship Throughout Disneyland Resort Beginning April 13 – Beginning April 13, 2018, this limited-time celebration of friendship and beyond will feature the debut of an all-new "Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" and the return of two favorite parades as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items. Read the full story here.

5. Pixar Pier Will Debut This Summer – This summer will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories: "The Incredibles," "Toy Story," "Inside Out" and a fourth neighborhood that will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. Read more details here.

Walt Disney World Resort

6. Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new F&B locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, Enzo's Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates, sneak peeks at the menus and opening information.

7. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary – This year's festival will run from February 28-May 28. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids' activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.

8. Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates It's 20th Anniversary – Walt Disney World's theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, this year. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on how you can celebrate this milestone year with us.

9. Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut to guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. Guests can already catch a glimpse of what's in store inside the park's Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.

Disney Cruise Line

10. Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea Return from January through April 2018 – Epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular events – Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Spanning two Disney cruise ships, sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, these cruises bring Disney and fan-favorite fun to families and guests of all ages.

11. Rapunzel's Royal Table Debuts on the Disney Magic in March 2018 – Exciting new spaces and experiences designed for guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Magic cruise ship in March 2018, including an enchanting dining experience for families at Rapunzel's Royal Table. The first table service restaurant themed to "Tangled" that features characters and live entertainment will transport guests to the kingdom of Corona for an evening of music and interactive fun.

12. Disney Cruise Line Visits New Destinations in Summer and Fall 2018 – Disney Cruise Line offers families a chance to see the world and explore magnificent destinations in 2018, including first-time visits to ports in Italy and Ireland during the summer and to Bermuda and Quebec City, Canada in the fall. Throughout the year, Disney Cruise Line will return to popular destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, Canada and Mexican Riviera.

Disneyland Paris

13. Marvel Super Heroes Come to Disneyland Paris Next Summer – Join some of your favorite characters at Walt Disney Studios Park for Marvel Summer of Super Heroes starting June 10. It will be the big event of 2018, closing out what has already been an unbelievable celebration of Disneyland Paris' 25th Anniversary. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow will appear for the first time at Disneyland Paris until September 30 for exciting encounters and epic shows.

Hong Kong Disneyland

14. Hong Kong Disneyland Opens New Entertainment Venue, Begins Castle Transformation – Hong Kong Disneyland's multi-year expansion kicks off in 2018 with the opening of a new entertainment venue in Adventureland featuring a Moana-themed stage show. Sleeping Beauty Castle will also start its transformation, the first-of-its-kind at any Disney park. The icon of the park will draw inspiration from a variety of storybook influences and styles with a design that reaches ever skyward. After the transformation, guests will be able to watch a new daytime show and nighttime spectacular against the impressive backdrop, visit an all-new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and meet Disney princesses.

Shanghai Disney Resort

15. Shanghai Disneyland Expands on April 26 with Opening of Disney Toy Story Land – One of our most popular franchises is coming to Shanghai Disneyland next year with the opening of a seventh themed land: Disney Toy Story Land. The first expansion since Shanghai Disney Resort opened in 2016, this new land will be filled with attractions and entertainment celebrating fun and imagination for guests of all ages in a high-spirited, colorful world based on the Disney·Pixar motion picture series. Everyone will be shrunk down to explore Andy's backyard as "honorary toys." Check out the full story here.

16. Beauty and the Beast Mandarin Production Coming to Shanghai Disney Resort – A tale as old as time is coming to the Walt Disney Grand Theatre stage next year, and the award-winning hit Broadway musical will be performed in Mandarin. One of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time, Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been produced in 37 countries and enjoyed by more than 35 million people since its premiere in 1994. Now this beloved Disney classic will feature talented performers from across China in a new one-of-a-kind entertainment offering.

Tokyo Disney Resort

17. Tokyo Disney Resort's 35th Anniversary 'Happiest Celebration!' – Guests can look forward to a new daytime parade at Tokyo Disneyland featuring Mickey and his pals, the reopening of "it's a small world" with the addition of 40 classic Disney characters, and a nighttime transformation of Cinderella Castle as Mickey creates a fantastic spectacle just for you.

18. Winter Fun Comes Alive January 11 – Winter is coming to Tokyo Disney Resort – and that means more warm hugs and frosty fun. Starting January 11, Tokyo Disney Resort will host several special winter offerings: Duffy's Heartwarming Days, Pixar Playtime and Anna and Elsa's Frozen Fantasy. Read full details here.

Celebrate the New Year with a New Disney Parks Blog Hoodie

UPDATE: This giveaway has concluded. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future opportunities.

As we just announced during our special New Year's Eve #DisneyParksLIVE coverage of the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, we're kicking off 2018 by offering readers a chance to be one of 50 winners to receive a new Disney Parks Blog hoodie.

As you can see, our new zipper hoodies are navy blue with white lettering. They're a first for us!

You can enter for a chance to win one adult Disney Parks Blog zipper hoodie here and follow the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 12/31/17 at 11:55 p.m. ET and ends 1/1/18 at 12:55 a.m. ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World Resort

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort for New Year's Eve? Earlier this week, we shared all the details of what to expect at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

We also shared photos from last year's New Year's Eve celebrations at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot. The photo up top was snapped during the park's special "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks – which will take place on both Dec. 30 and 31, beginning at 11:50 p.m.

The image above was taken during the special New Year's Eve "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" performance at Epcot, which will be held only on Dec. 31, beginning at 11:40 p.m.

Have you ever visited Walt Disney World Resort for New Year's Eve? Tell us your tips and tricks below!

Follow Along with Us: Disney Tweets Beyond the Parks

It's time again to see what's happening around the Disney Twitter-sphere!

"A Wrinkle in Time" star Storm Reid played word-association with @OhMyDisney:

Watch as @stormreid plays the Disney heroine word association game! ✨⏳ @WrinkleInTime http://pic.twitter.com/k29eIDLcoB

— Oh My Disney (@OhMyDisney) December 6, 2017

@DisneyPixar made the holidays bright with this phone wallpaper:

Make your holidays merry and bright with this Pixar phone wallpaper. Happy Holidays! | : Jason Ratner, Disney Graphic Designer http://pic.twitter.com/9x4BJsjMyK

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) December 14, 2017

And @DisneyD23 shared their favorite home video holiday classics:

8 of our favorite home video holiday classics: https://t.co/K2iPqwTfSd http://pic.twitter.com/xSZ15RvSoy

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) December 26, 2017

2017 at the Disneyland Resort: Super Heroes Arrive, Classic Experiences Return and More

This year brought new adventures and classic favorites to the Disneyland Resort. Before we welcome the new year, let's take a look back at 2017!

January 20 – Main Street Electrical Parade officially returned to the place it began – Disneyland park! This "spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination" would go on to delight our guests through the summer.

February 24 – Part of the celebration of "Beauty and the Beast" in Fantasyland at Disneyland park, the Red Rose Taverne opened, featuring delightful decor and delicious food inspired by the beloved film.

March 24 – An all-new look and story was unveiled for Autopia, powered by Honda, featuring Honda's ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot and its new robotic friend, Bird – the first character created especially for this classic Disneyland park attraction – as they embark on the ultimate road trip.

May 27 – Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! officially opened for guests at Disney California Adventure park, with stars and filmmakers from the "Guardians of the Galaxy" films joining us a few nights before for an epic grand opening celebration!

July 17 – "Fantasmic!" returned to Disneyland park, continuing a 25-year tradition of this beloved nighttime spectacular.

July 19 – Disney MaxPass launched at the Disneyland Resort, giving guests even more time together on their favorite attractions.

July 29 – Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America returned to Disneyland park with an enhanced adventure featuring the new Columbia Gorge section, highlighted by five picturesque waterfalls.

September 27 – After more than 60 years serving up magic and memories at The Happiest Place on Earth, Carnation Café chef and longest-tenured Disney Parks cast member Oscar Martinez retired.

December 6 – Cast members at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa celebrated the completion of the hotel-wide renovation.

What is your favorite memory from 2017 at the Disneyland Resort? Tell us in the comments!

A Year in Review: Disney Parks Food & Beverage 2017

2017 was a whirlwind year for Disney Parks Food & Beverage! From an array of new restaurants to incredible culinary creations, we have so much to celebrate. Here are just a few highlights from Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this past year.

At Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrated the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Inside this incredible immersive land sit Satu'li Canteen and Pongu Pongu, which offer some delicious items that have become must-try experiences for visitors to the Valley of Mo'ara. At Satu'li Canteen, the Build-Your-Own Bowl and the blueberry cream cheese mousse have become two of the most popular offerings. And at Pongu Pongu, the Pineapple Lumpia has been a hit among guests.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Casey's Corner introduced the popular All-Beef Hot Dog of the Month. Among the 12 hot dogs created this year, the Buffalo Chicken Hot Dog, Cheeseburger Hot Dog, and Taco Dogs were guest favorites! On the sweet side, Cheshire Café introduced Cheshire Cat Tails – delicious chocolate pastry twists decorated with purple striped icing. And over at Aloha Isle, the popular pineapple Dole Whip® was given a new "twist" and can now be served atop a delicious pineapple upside-down cake!

In addition to all the new year-round items at Magic Kingdom Park, guests also enjoyed special holiday treats like the new cake push pops and the seasonal cinnamon rolls offered during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Our pastry chefs definitely outdid themselves in creating brand new offerings to make these annual holiday events even sweeter.

Speaking of special events, Epcot definitely had a year to remember with the inaugural International Festival of the Arts as well as the 35th Anniversary of the opening of the park! With these events came yummy treats like the Almond Frangipane Cake from the International Festival of the Arts and returning once again for this year's festival; and the return of the classic Handwich, a popular on-the-go snack that originally debuted in the park in late 1980's, at this year's International Food and Wine Festival. For the holiday season this year, Epcot introduced the International Festival of the Holidays, which showcased 15 unique Holiday Kitchens. One of the highlights of this festival was the yummy Cheese Fondue, which was found at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in Germany. Epcot also saw the opening of Choza de Margarita this fall in the Mexico pavilion. Sitting in the shadow of the iconic Mexico pyramid, this outdoor venue serves hand-crafted margaritas and non-alcoholic Mexican fruit punch as well as tacos and empanadas.

New locations at the Walt Disney World Resort this year include BaseLine Tap House, a cheerful corner pub with small bites and California brews and wines, at Disney's Hollywood Studios; Geyser Point Bar and Grill, a lakeside bar and grill with delicious American cuisine, at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort; and Ale & Compass Restaurant and Lounge, a signature New England gastropub, at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Over in California, Disneyland Resort had quite a year with fun new creations, holiday treats and a couple new openings. One of the most popular items this year was at Boudin Bakery at Disney California Adventure park: Groot-shaped bread! Throughout the year, the bakery offered bread in the shape of popular characters like Mickey, Mater, Groot and Darth Vader. Who know what they'll come up with next year?

Specialty churros also took center stage as guests flocked to try the sour watermelon, s'mores, pumpkin spice, and peppermint hot chocolate churros offered throughout the year at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park. Mint Julep Bar also got in on the fun with specialty Mickey-shaped beignets, like the Blackberry Beignets that celebrated the return of "Fantasmic!"

New openings this year included Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland park. With a dash of French flair, this "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired quick-service tavern serves up unique dishes like the Enchanted Cauli-Flower Sandwich. You can even try the Grey Stuff (it's delicious) for a fun dessert! Another popular location that opened this year is the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, where guests can escape the crowds and relax while enjoying desserts and spectacular fireworks.

This past Spring, the popular Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival boasted over a dozen marketplaces featuring California-inspired cuisine, and will be returning in 2018 for an expanded length of time! Other amazing events this year included Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, which introduced the spooky holiday to Cars Land with fun snacks like the Mini Candy Cone Pie; and the Holidays at Disneyland Resort brought festive treats like gingerbread man cookies, pumpkin spice bread pudding and hand-pulled candy canes!

Overall, 2017 gave us tons of fun tastes and sips at the Disney Parks, and we can't wait to see what 2018 will have in store! What were some of your favorites this year? Comment below!

Disney DIY: Top 5 Winter Treat Tutorials

In the need for some last-minute wintery treats this week? We've got you covered, whether you're heading to a family gathering or looking for something for the kiddos to do on their vacation from school.

Check out our top five holiday winter treat tutorials below.

Olaf Candy Apple

The Olaf Candy Apple is a classic granny smith apple, with caramel and white chocolate.

Snowman Candy Apple

The Snowman Candy Apple mixes a granny smith apple with caramel, white chocolate, marshmallow and a candy fruit stripe.

Olaf Marshmallow Treat

White chocolate, milk chocolate and marshmallows combine in this fun – and sweet – treat.

Apple Pie Candy Apple

A favorite for cast members working at the Candy Cauldron, this apple kicks apple pie up a notch.

Snowflake Candy Apple

No one can deny that snowflakes are simply beautiful. Our Snowflake Candy Apple, which combines a granny smith apple with white chocolate and colored sugar, is equally beautiful and delicious!

Disney Parks After Dark: ‘Fantasy in the Sky’ Fireworks Ring In the New Year

Are you spending New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom Park? Then you're likely planning to stay for the countdown to midnight, which happens just seconds after the park's special showing of "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks.

"Fantasy in the Sky" features songs from some of the most beloved Disney films, including "Peter Pan," "Pinocchio" and "Aladdin," as well as favorite songs from attractions like "it's a small world" and The Haunted Mansion. Be on the lookout for a special New Year's Eve finale.

Can't be there in person? Join us for our next #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the fireworks. Read up on that here.

Disney Parks Art Director Brad Kaye to Judge 129th Rose Parade

Brad Kaye, principal art director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment, has been a fan of the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena since he was a child growing up in Southern California. During his Disney career, he has designed two Disneyland Resort floats for the iconic Rose Parade. This year, the Tournament of Roses organization has asked him to be one of three float judges for the 129th Rose Parade on New Year's Day.

"Having watched the Rose Parade growing up, and even going with my family and friends, I always admired the design and art that went into the floats," said Brad. "Then, having been fortunate enough to design the Disneyland Resort floats in 2006 and 2013, I really got an understanding of the craftsmanship that the amazing teams of volunteers and scene shops do to pull it all together. Now as a judge, it will be very exciting to see them all up close in the final days of assembly and really be able to applaud all the teams' efforts."

Some of Brad's key projects since joining Disney Parks Live Entertainment in 1998 have included parades and spectaculars such as "Under the Sea" at Tokyo DisneySea, "Block Party Bash" at Disney California Adventure park, Halloween parades for both Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, "Tangled" and "Aladdin" shows on Disney Cruise Line and Disney floats in Shanghai Tourism Festival parades.

Brad has also designed for the professional theater community in Los Angeles and New York during the past 25 years, and has been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, among many other recognitions. He designs locally at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, Calif., donating his time designing shows as well as having designed the lobby and marquee for their new venue.

The 129th Rose Parade will be broadcast live, Jan. 1 on ABC, beginning at 8 a.m. PST.

Set Sail for More Fun Than Ever on The High Seas with Disney Cruise Line in 2018

It's almost time to ring in 2018, and with the new year comes new adventures on the high seas. From the return of both Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, to new enhancements coming to the Disney Magic and more, you won't want to miss all the fun to be had aboard our ships.

Here are some of the highlights:

Star Wars Day at Sea
Star Wars Day at Sea returns on 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings from January through April 2018. The epic day-long celebration will once again transport guests to a galaxy far, far away to celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga. New in 2018, Rey will take the stage in the "Summon the Force" nighttime deck show.

Marvel Day at Sea
Marvel Day at Sea returns during eight special Disney Magic voyages from Miami departing January through April 2018. All-day entertainment includes interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.

Enhancements to the Disney Magic
Exciting new spaces for guests of all ages are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018. Headlining the enhancements is an enchanting dining experience for families at the new Rapunzel's Royal Table, the first table service restaurant themed to "Tangled" that features characters and live entertainment.

New Itineraries and Ports
In 2018, we'll make first-time visits to destinations in Italy and Ireland during the summer and to Bermuda and Quebec City, Canada in the fall. Throughout the year, we'll continue to take guests to favorite destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, Canada and Mexican Riviera.

Halloween on the High Seas
From September through October, the ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland. Our extra-spooky celebration features Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment, unique menu items and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise.

Very Merrytime Cruises
Starting early November, we add sparkle to each ship with special holiday décor, traditional "turkey day" fanfare, Christmas feasts, "snow flurries" and New Year's Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow!

So, grab your passport and your loved ones and make going on a Disney cruise your New Year's resolution!

2017 Disney Doodle Holiday Roundup

Throughout this month, our Disney Doodles series has focused on what different Disney characters would do or see if they had the chance to visit a Walt Disney World Resort theme park – during the holiday season.

A post shared by Disney Parks Blog (@disneyparksblog) on Dec 28, 2017 at 5:40am PST

From Jack Skellington decorating Main Street, U.S.A., to Meeko enjoying gingerbread treats, Disney characters sure had fun in our Disney Doodle series this month.

Check out the gallery above for a roundup of all the holiday Doodles we've shared this month.