Rachel affiliated with Academy Travel

05/10/2021

Message me for more information about planning a vacation, get a no-obligation quote, or let me put together a custom itinerary for your trip!

15/06/2021

Fireworks return to Walt Disney World on July 1st!

08/06/2021

Walt Disney World is excited to announce booking and opening dates for some of our Guests’ favorite Disney dining locations! Check out all the delicious details below.

Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Opening June 24 with nightly walk-in availability through July 4; booking available June 10 for reservations starting July 5)

Disney Skyliner conveniently stops at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, making it an easy (and fun!) trip for Guests to dine at Sebastian’s Bistro, which will reopen with delicious tastes of the Caribbean and a new family-style meal at dinner.

Sebastian’s signature buttery house-baked pull-apart rolls will get Guests started, and the entire table will enjoy the Taste of the Caribbean platter featuring oven-roasted citrus chicken, slow-cooked mojo pork with mango sambal, and grilled flank steak with mojito relish. This hearty platter comes with sides of cilantro rice and beans, vegetable curry, and grilled broccolini. Coconut shrimp can also be ordered as an add-on to the meal. The best part? Guests finish with the ultimate sweet treat – the popular coconut-pineapple bread pudding!


‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Opening July 9; booking available June 10)
With the backdrop of tropical greenery, ‘Ohana will again offer their fabulous all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner offerings when they reopen. Although Disney characters will not be hosting breakfast, a strolling musician will entertain Guests for dinner.

For breakfast, Guests can start with pineapple-coconut breakfast bread, move on to Stitch and Mickey Mouse waffles, then dig into “eggs”cellent breakfast skillets with ham, sausage, and breakfast potatoes.
The ‘Ohana dinner features all-you-care-to-enjoy platters of grilled beef steak, roasted chicken, sausage, and island shrimp casserole served with fried rice and roasted broccolini. And yes, ‘Ohana pot stickers, crispy soy chicken wings, and the signature ‘Ohana bread pudding served warm with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream are back! Yippee!

Tusker House Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (Opening June 20; booking now available)
Donald Duck and his Disney friends are welcoming Guests back to this lively Harambe marketplace. At Tusker House Restaurant, Guests can graze on a bountiful family-style menu brimming with African-inspired flavors while snapping photos of favorite Disney characters. For breakfast, Guests can start their adventure with Mickey and Simba waffles, Durban chicken and egg curry with jasmine rice, and much more. Lunch and dinner offerings include Moroccan-spiced beef, Berber-marinated pork, spit-roasted herb chicken, and Cape Malay green curry shrimp.

Here are additional quick-service locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park now open:
Terra Treats (serving pizza slices)
Isle of Java (serving fresh-brewed espresso, cappuccino, and sweet treats)
Trilo-Bites (service DOLE Whip orange)
Drinkwallah Snacks & Frozen Beverages

BoardWalk Ice Cream Shop, Disney’s BoardWalk

Craving a frozen sweet treat? Guests can take a stroll around Crescent Lake on Disney’s BoardWalk and visit BoardWalk Ice Cream Shop. Featuring scoops and sundaes to go, Guests can satisfy their craving with a good old-fashioned sundae plus brownie and strawberry splash shortcake a la modes, and of course, the kid-favorite, Mickey Mouse Sundaes!

07/05/2021

“Disney After Hours BOO BASH” will take place on select nights, Aug. 10-Oct. 31, from 9 p.m. to midnight*. Spooky festivities will include Halloween-themed cavalcades, character sightings throughout the park, special performances by the Cadaver Dans, décor, lighting, music, treat stops with plenty of candy and so much more!

“Disney After Hours BOO BASH” tickets will grant admission to Magic Kingdom Park as early as 7 p.m. without the need for a day park ticket or Disney Park Pass theme park reservation, giving you time to enjoy even more of your favorites.

Guests young, old and immortal can dress in costume for the occasion and get their fill of Halloween candy. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; they can only be worn by children younger than 14. In addition, all Guests are required to wear approved face coverings during the event.

In case you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours, it’s a special event that’s open to a limited number of Guests, after normal park operating hours. The experience offers low wait times at more than 20 attractions from classics like The Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain, to newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s a ghostly good time for all!

Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Stay tuned for more details to come. We’ll share additional information about “Disney After Hours BOO BASH” as it becomes available, so keep checking for more tricks and treats.

*Some event nights in August and September will be from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

04/05/2021

Happy Star Wars Day!
I'm so excited to FINALLY share some updates about the Galactic Starcruiser!!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will take Guests to a galaxy far, far away for an all-immersive, two-night vacation experience that goes beyond anything Disney has ever created before. What exactly does “all-immersive” mean?
A new type of lightsaber created by Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development. Guests who experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be the first to see it in action – along with so much more – starting in 2022 when this amazing new two-night adventure debuts. When Guests watch that lightsaber activate right before their eyes it will be just one of the countless ways that, from the moment you arrive to the moment they depart, you'll be plunged into a Star Wars story where their decisions and actions – or even the casual conversations they may have – determine how their personal journey unfolds.
Your adventure begins at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser terminal at Walt Disney World, where you will gather with fellow passengers before departing for your intergalactic destination. Guests will soon enter a special Launch Pod and leave their world behind as they make a hyperspace jump to a galaxy far, far away.
Guests will watch through viewports as they approach the massive and magnificent Halcyon starcruiser, which will be their home for the next two nights.
(For a limited time, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests can now see a model of the ship on display inside Walt Disney Presents)

When the Launch Pod’s airlock slides open, Guests will take their first step into a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser comes to life all around them. During their stay aboard this glamorous ship, Guests may interact with an eclectic group of characters both familiar and new, possibly including the starcruiser’s strong and charismatic captain, a plucky ship’s mechanic and a galactic superstar who can captivate an entire room with the crook of one jewel-encrusted purple Twi’lek finger.
This singing sensation will be a featured performer during one of the exquisite dining experiences inside the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, which you can see in this artist concept rendering we’re sharing today for the first time. The enticing supper club’s name is an homage to Corellia, the planet known galaxy-wide for its shipyards that gave us not only the Halcyon starcruiser, but also the Millennium Falcon. The dining room is a bright and welcoming hall that will offer breakfast and lunch to passengers before transitioning each evening into a lavish multi-course menu of both otherworldly and familiar origins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3A8kdCk_fM

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort will take you to a galaxy far, far away starting in 2022 for an all-immersive, two-night vacation...

30/04/2021

Ok you MIGHT get me back on a cruise ship for this!

A new Star Wars ADULTS ONLY bar/lounge announced today for the brand new Disney Cruise line ship the "Disney Wish". The ship sails for the first time in June of 2022 from Port Canaveral!
A Trove of Untold Treasures Exclusively for Adults:
For the first time on a Disney ship, you will embark on a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship. This richly themed, immersive experience will be reserved for adults every evening, offering interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by destinations such as Batuu, Tatooine and Mustafar.

18/04/2021

The questions I get more than any other (except for “when are fireworks coming back?!") are most often about what I pack in my bag for a day in the Disney Parks.
I’ve put together a complete list of things that I bring with me into the Parks, no matter what. I do not get any compensation from the brands or companies, they are simply my preference.

The most important part first:
⭐A backpack- this is critical. There is nothing worse than realizing an hour into your day that you brought a backpack (or bag) that is uncomfortable. You want to have something lightweight, with easy access, and not a ton of pockets.
I am in LOVE with this backpack I found on Amazon. I have the packing cubes by Gonex too (which I also highly recommend), but this backpack amazes me. It’s incredibly lightweight, has just the right amount of pockets, and THE BEST PART is that it folds into itself, and zips up to be the size of a pack of cards when you aren’t using it. Also, it’s less than $15!
https://tinyurl.com/ejdkvw2n

⭐A portable charger- this is pretty self-explanatory. Especially with Disney moving in the direction of smart devices instead of MagicBands, you definitely don’t want to be caught with a dead battery. The MyDisneyExperience App is known to drain the life out of phones super quickly, so invest in a good charger.
I use this one by Anker, which can charge my phone completely 3 times per single charge of the portable battery.
https://tinyurl.com/m4eddzad

(I get asked about the exchangeable FuelRods a lot too- in theory, they are an awesome idea, the product itself is not great.)

⭐A reusable waterbottle- Don’t spend $5 on a bottle of water. Bring a refillable water bottle, and ask for ice water at literally ANY quick service counter. It’s free. I like to use the Brita waterbottle, because it doesn’t sweat all over everything, and the top is leak-proof (which is really important!)
https://tinyurl.com/n8f35943

⭐Masks- bring more than one extra. Between the humidity, and sweat, you are going to get gross. Normally, I prefer disposable masks, but seriously, the humidity will make them useless in an hour. I actually prefer the ones Disney sells in the parks (ShopDisney also carries them), but everyone has different preferences when it comes to masks. Just bring ones that fit well, and are moisture-wicking. Ear-Savers are also a great idea!

⭐Hand Sanitizer- pretty self explanatory. Even pre-COVID, I carried a travel size bottle with me. There are dispensers EVERYWHERE in Disney, but I like to carry my own too, just in case.

⭐Disinfecting wipes- the germaphobe in me also brought these along pre-COVID, usually just to wipe my phone down every few hours.

⭐SNACKS- also a crucial item to pack. Disney will allow any food in the park. ANY FOOD. (Seriously, I’ve seen a family set up a full out buffet in Animal Kingdom before), the only thing you cannot bring in with you is alcohol.
I like to bring granola bars and trail mix with me, but I really like trying all the seasonal snacks in the Parks. If you are looking to save some money, bring a cooler with you, and make some sandwiches!

⭐A light jacket- this depends on the time of year. I like to pack either a dollar store disposable poncho in case of rain, and/or a light rain jacket for chillier evenings. Again this is totally up to personal preference, but I still can’t bring myself to spend $65 on a Park hoodie no matter how many times I go.

⭐A hat- I used to wear sunglasses, but switched to a hat to relieve the tension headaches I'd get from wearing both sunglasses and a mask.

I hope you’ve found this list helpful!
⭐If you are looking for a vacation quote, to book your next magical vacation, or for more of my favorite tips and tricks, send me a message!

12/03/2021

The MagicBand, the colorful wristband guests wear at Walt Disney World Resort, makes each visit even simpler and more seamless. Disney has continued to invent and innovate, and soon, they'll be debuting a new option: Disney MagicMobile service!

Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of an iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device. You will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet. It works like magic – most features will be available by just holding up your smart device near an access point, just like you do with a MagicBand. Disney MagicMobile service and its features will roll out first on Apple devices.

You may choose to use Disney MagicMobile service or a MagicBand – pick whichever option works best during your visit. You can even use both and alternate between the two for added flexibility. Disney will soon be introducing more MagicBands in trendy new colors and fun designs featuring favorite Disney characters and stories.

The existing digital room key feature will continue to be available specifically within the My Disney Experience app, which helps expedite your arrival by using online check-in service, going directly to your Disney Resort hotel room and using your phone to unlock the door. Disney Resort hotel guests may also still pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience by visiting the front desk.

Stay tuned for more information on Disney MagicMobile service and MagicBands!

10/03/2021

With school Spring Break periods occurring throughout March and April, Disney Park Pass reservations are no longer available on select days for the Walt Disney World theme parks. In particular, reservation availability at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is limited during this time.
As a reminder, capacity in the theme parks remains limited as part of our ongoing health and safety measures.

Please remember to always check current Disney Park Pass availability calendar prior to securing theme park tickets!

09/03/2021

Everyone’s favorite “Little Chef” is cooking up something really big for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary, because the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT is set for Oct. 1 of this year!

05/03/2021

I am in LOVE with the new Polynesian Resort rooms!!!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now accepting bookings for late July 2021, and the next time you pull up to the Great Ceremonial House, you'll notice even more exciting changes Disney is currently working on. The porte cochere is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul that will feature a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style with pops of color. Above the porte cochere, the Monorail station is receiving new wooden screens with tropical colors, adding to the open and airy vibe befitting of the South Seas.

02/03/2021

Why Should You Use a Disney Travel Agent?

⭐️It's completely FREE! That's right! You won't pay a dime for using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

🩺We're required to be up-to-date with the latest information on all health regulations and screenings. Don't get caught unprepared, especially now.

💲We LOVE to save you money! We're familiar with specials and discounts that are released throughout the year and can make suggestions that will best fit your budget (and sometimes we can even get you a little extra pixie dust on your vacation!)

⭐️We can provide detailed park plans and itineraries. If you’ve never been to WDW (or been there recently) it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which parks to visit. We're more than happy to share all the need-to-know info!

🍹Get reservation assistance! We often have the ability to get last-minute or those hard-to-get reservations.

⭐️We are your one point of contact. You won't have to call someone different every time (or wait on hold for hours!), to find out information. We're your one-stop-shop for everything before, during, and after your vacation!

⭐️If you would like a free, no-obligation quote, or to book a dream vacation, send a message with your preferred dates, and travel party!

01/03/2021

Spring Break 2021!
Adults-Only Getaway (4 Nights/5 Days)
Includes Resort Accommodations & 4 Day Park Tickets.
Message me for more info, or to book an offer!

19/02/2021

Cheers to 50 yEARS Magic Kingdom!
Beginning Oct. 1, Walt Disney World Resort will throw “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of our 50th anniversary, bringing new experiences to our four theme parks and beyond.

As part of the celebration, Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will add to its royal makeover from last year. The castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th-anniversary crest as part of its festive new look.
And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.
Keep an eye out for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who will have sparkling new looks for the celebration. As hosts of the event, they’ll be dressed for the occasion in custom-made fashions of EARidescent fabric with gold highlights.

17/02/2021

Includes resort accommodations and 5-day park tickets!

22/01/2021

❤Valentine's Day/ President's Day Weekend Getaway!❤
Package pricing is limited! Please message me for more info.
(Ticket options and resort accommodations are adjustable)

22/01/2021

🌸Exclusive Spring Break Rate!🌸
April 5-9, 2021
Accommodations at Coronado Springs Resort
5 Day Park Tickets (for 2 Adults and 2 Children)
$2975
This package pricing is very limited- message me for more information, or to book!

22/01/2021

May the Fourth Be With You!
Go to a galaxy far, far away just in time to celebrate Star Wars Day!
May 1-5, 2021 (4 nights, 5 days)
$2990
Your stay will include-
⭐️accommodations for 2 adults & 2 children at Pop Century Resort (with Skyliner access)
⭐️Park Tickets for 4 days
⭐️Reservations in Galaxy's Edge at Savi's Workshop (2 Lightsabers included)
⭐️Reservations & a round of drinks at Oga's Cantina

22/01/2021

Girls' Weekend Getaway Special!
April 30-May 3, 2021 (3 Night/4 Day)
Caribbean Beach Resort with Lake View
3 Day Park Hopper Tickets
$735/per person

Enjoy the best of both worlds with the leisurely lifestyle you can only find on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean while having the convenience of the new Skyliner right in your backyard! Visit Old Port Royale and the port of entry for delicious Caribbean inspired meals like mahi-mahi, jerk chicken, or coconut shrimp, and poolside beverages (I'm especially partial to the Jamaican Frozen Runner!)
Your stay will include your resort accommodations, and Park Hopper passes that are valid for any 3 days of your stay.
Dates are flexible (but price may fluctuate during holidays)
Message me for more details!

21/01/2021

Walt Disney World is starting the process of bringing back the singers, dancers, technicians and other Cast Members, from one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort. Expected THIS SUMMER, the Harambe Theatre at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will host that fan-favorite troupe of musical storytellers, along with Simba and his friends, in a celebration of the incomparable Festival of the Lion King.

When it returns, Festival of the Lion King will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. There will be adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. Disney will also adjust how the audience is seated, in line with other theater-based experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.

16/01/2021

❤Now offering specialized planning for weddings, honeymoons, bachelor/bachelorette parties, engagements, and vow renewals❤

From beaches to castles, and everything in between, there are unique, diverse, breathtaking and magical settings to make your celebration an unforgettable experience.

Whether you want to celebrate your day like the Princess you are, travel around the World (Showcase that is!), or go to a galaxy far, far away...I would love to help make your dreams come true!

For more information about putting your Magical Day together, message me!

15/01/2021

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle recently toured the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel with Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro. Vahle shared a sneak peek of the latest progress from inside a cabin!

11/01/2021

Just in time for the 50th Birthday Celebration of Magic Kingdom (October 1st, 2021), Disney is allowing resort guests into ANY park, ANY day....30 minutes before anyone else!

According to Disney, the new early theme park entry benefit helps them better spread visitation across all four theme parks, while providing added flexibility by giving guests extra early park time on each day of their vacation and in the park of their choosing.

11/01/2021

Disney's Magical Express will no longer be taking passengers from Orlando International Airport to their Walt Disney World Hotels, starting in 2022-

Because there is going to be a HIGH SPEED TRAIN!
Brightline and Disney World have finally reached an agreement and a Disney-bound train lgovernment approval pending)is officially happening. The new station will be located in Disney Springs (where guests will be able to catch regular shuttles to their resorts).

01/01/2021

Park Hopping finally returns today!
Here's what to know-
⭐You will still need to make reservations at a park each day. (I highly recommend choosing a busy park, as it guarantees your entry).
⭐You must visit the park you made a reservation for before visiting any other park.
⭐You may visit another park any time after 2pm.
⭐Park Hopper admission will be checked before boarding park-to-park transportation.
(for example, if you would like to go to Epcot from Magic Kingdom, your ticket will be checked before you board the bus, to make sure you have a valid Park Hopper ticket).
The Epcot monorail line is not running at this time.
⭐You can visit any park as long as it has not reached capacity (this can be checked with Guest Relations, or Cast Members at the bus stops at any time).

01/01/2021

MagicBands are no longer provided complimentary to Disney Resort hotel guests with arrivals beginning January 1, 2021.

Disney has stated plans to unveil an innovative new offering in 2021 as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring the features of a MagicBand to smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature.
For Disney Resort hotel room entry, Theme Park entry, and charging purchases to the hotel room with a valid credit card, guests may use a Key To The World card (provided at the Front Desk). Or, you can also use a MagicBand from a past visit or purchase a MagicBand pre-arrival.

23/12/2020

Overnight, crews removed all the “progress walls” from the main entrance plaza, giving guests the first full look at this next major milestone in the park’s historic transformation. While there is still more work to be done here in the future, the area is much more open and welcoming now. It features new planters, pathways, lush landscaping and a vibrant new color palette that will eventually tie into the four new neighborhoods we’re creating inside the park – World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase.

16/11/2020

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a 2-day, 2-night experience that will allow you to become the hero in your own Star Wars story that is unlike any other immersive experience you can find at Walt Disney World.
The cabins appear to have a queen bed and two additional bunks with window into space in the room. Another monitor in the room sits at the end of the bed in the cabin and it looks like there is either a Murphy bed or storage under the monitor. It looks like there also might be a table that extends out below your window to the outside world.
There is no set opening date other than some time during 2021, at this time.

14/11/2020

Tis the Season at WDW Resort!
The holidays have officially arrived at all of the Parks and Disney Springs!
There are tons of brand new yummy treats for everyone celebrating the holidays with Mickey and his friends (and some fantastic adult beverage options too!)
Magic Kingdom brings an array of new and flavorful cupcakes, a sugar cookie taco(!) filled with salted caramel and spiced chocolate mousse, and gingerbread churros!
Over at Hollywood Studios, you can find the Frozen Salted Caramel Chocolate, and (my favorite!) the Spiked Frozen Apple Pie. Keep an eye out for the Olaf Snow Flurry cupcake, only available at Rosie's American Cafe.
Animal Kingdom has a wild new treat! The Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwich is new for 2020, and the Menagerie Cupcake (with a white chocolate polar bear on top!) returns as a seasonal favorite.
The famous Cookie Stroll returns to Epcot (with a SUPER cute cookie jar to keep your treats in), with some tasty new choices, available in the World Showcase.
And finally, for the grown-ups, there are festive holiday drinks that will surely get you in the holiday spirit-
Feliz Navidad – Tequila, crème de cassis, apple juice, and lime juice
Claus-Mo – Vodka and orange-flavored triple sec liqueur mixed with cranberry juice
Mistletoe – Coconut rum, melon-flavored liqueur, blue curaçao liqueur mixed with Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice
Florida Yule – Vodka and orange juice topped with ginger beer
Winter Wonderland – Cinnamon whisky and cinnamon- and vanilla-flavored cream liqueur
Fireside Cider – Cinnamon whisky, vodka, and white cranberry juice.

14/09/2020

🎃More Halloween fun coming to Disney!

Throughout the day, special Halloween cavalcades will pop up on the parade route and head down Main Street, U.S.A. You could come across Mickey Mouse and his pals, all dressed up for the occasion in Boo-tiful Halloween costumes.

🎃On select days, you may even encounter a cavalcade of Disney Villains – from Gaston and Maleficent to Queen of Hearts and Jafar – creeping down the path, or a nightmarish procession featuring the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington!

🎃As another special treat for the Halloween season, we are thrilled (and chilled!) to welcome the iconic Dapper Dans back to Magic Kingdom Park, beginning September 20, performing as their undead alter egos The Cadaver Dans. Be enchanted by a ca****la performances from the Cadaver Dans when they emerge from their tombs.

🎃The Halloween spirit is also in the air over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Minnie’s Halloween Dine is set to return to Hollywood & Vine, beginning September 25. A monster feast will be served to Guests' tables, and favorite Disney friends will make special appearances in the restaurant. Wave and snap photos of Minnie Mouse dressed as a happy witch! Goofy is coming as a spooky cowboy, with Mickey Mouse as a funny vampire, and his best pal, Pluto, gets into the act wearing a cute Halloween collar.

09/09/2020

Everyone loves the holidays at WDW, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, you will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort.
Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.
Be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.

When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. **This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. **

Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.

Shifting gears to Disney Springs, discover Christmas around every corner as you come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes.
**Gingerbread house displays will NOT be returning this year**
Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. There are plenty more details about this festival to come, so stay tuned.

There’s a lot of holiday fun to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort!