Big refurbishments coming to Walt Disney World Parks
DinoLand U.S.A. Undergoing Changes Starting January 13, 2025, Disney's Animal Kingdom will begin construction on the Tropical Americas area. As part of this project, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures will close permanently on January 12, 2025. However, DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will remain open.
"The Little Mermaid" Update Disney's Hollywood Studios is gearing up for the premiere of "The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure" in summer 2025. Construction on the exterior of the theater will begin soon, including a new marquee.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Temporary Closure Following the holiday season, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen in 2026 with new enhancements.
Introducing Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Skip the Lines at Disney Parks
Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are introducing a new premium service called Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This pass allows guests to enjoy one-time entry to all available Lightning Lane attractions in the park on their visit day.
Key Features:
Priority Access: Skip the regular lines and head straight to the Lightning Lane entrance for faster entry.
Flexible Use: Enjoy Lightning Lane access to attractions included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, without needing to select a specific experience time.
Limited Availability: Lightning Lane Premier Pass is available in limited quantities and will be offered at a premium price, varying based on the date and park.
Availability:
Disneyland Resort: Available starting October 23, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchase two days in advance of your theme park reservation and enjoy access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Walt Disney World Resort: Available starting October 30, 2024, exclusively for guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts. Purchase up to seven days in advance of your stay and enjoy access to one park per day.
Note: Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Pass will vary based on demand and the chosen park.
Disney Adventure setting sail with lots of new experiences
When the Disney Adventure sets sail from Singapore on Dec. 15, 2025, guests will embark on a magical cruise that brings Disney’s iconic storytelling, beloved characters from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, to life with unique experiences designed for Asian guests. Bookings open Dec. 10, 2024, with details on pricing and dates released on Nov. 14, 2024.
Enthralling Entertainment
Onboard, experience Disney Cruise Line’s storytelling magic with unforgettable character encounters, dazzling Broadway-style shows, and exciting activities. Marvel Landing offers three new attractions, like the Ironcycle Test Run rollercoaster, while Toy Story Place brings the playful Pixar world to life for families. San Fransokyo Street features Big Hero Arcade with interactive games, including Hiro Training Zone.
Exquisite Dining Experiences
Indulge in diverse dining options, from character-filled meals at Navigator’s Club and Hollywood Spotlight Club to themed restaurants like Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Summer Restaurant, and Pixar Market Restaurant. Discover Asian and international flavors at quick-service spots such as Bewitching Boba and Brews, Grammy Tala’s Kitchen, and fine dining at Palo Trattoria and Mike & Sulley’s. Adults can unwind at Tiana’s Bayou Lounge and Buccaneer Bar.
Cool Clubs for Kids of All Ages
Disney’s Oceaneer Club offers interactive zones for ages 3 to 10, with activities inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories. Explore spaces like Fairytale Hall, Andy’s Toy Box, and Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck, while young heroes duke it out in the Marvel WEB Workshop.
Embark on this magical journey where every corner brims with storytelling adventure!
New and returning entertainment this Holiday Season at EPCOT
🎶 Jam at JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in an Amazing New Spot 🎶
Get ready to fill your hearts with the spirit of Christmas at JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season with its uplifting Gospel, R&B, and holiday melodies. Sing along with the choir and immerse yourself in their holiday harmonies at the all-new CommuniCore Plaza location. Swing by four times a day for a dose of this unique holiday cheer—it's an experience you definitely won't want to miss!
Hear Tidings of Comfort and Joy with the Candlelight Processional
For many, the Candlelight Processional is the epitome of holiday tradition. This cherished show beautifully narrates the Christmas story through a mesmerizing performance featuring a star-studded celebrity narrator, a mass choir of Disney cast members and young community singers, and a majestic 50-piece orchestra complemented by herald trumpets and the spectacular Voices of Liberty. This season's showtimes are set for 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.
Celebrity Narrators Bring Merry & Bright Star Power
Wondering who will be illuminating the America Gardens Theatre with their storytelling magic? Here’s the lineup of celebrity narrators who are set to make this season truly unforgettable:
11/29 – 11/30: Josh Gad
12/1 – 12/2: Nico Santos (NEW)
12/3 – 12/5: Chrissy Metz
12/6 – 12/7: Whoopi Goldberg
12/8 – 12/10: Tituss Burgess (NEW)
12/11 – 12/12: Brendan Fraser
12/13 – 12/14: Ralph Macchio (NEW)
12/15 – 12/16: Gary Sinise
12/17 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
12/19 – 12/21: Pat Sajak
12/22 – 12/23: Gloria Estefan
12/24 – 12/26: Edward James Olmos
12/27 – 12/28: Sterling K Brown
12/29 – 12/30: Jodi Benson
Don't miss the chance to bask in the festive spirit with these incredible performances!
Holiday Experiences coming for Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
In previous years, you might have spotted Santa Claus sailing along Disney’s Animal Kingdom's waterways during the holiday cavalcades. This season, step right up for a special meet-and-greet with Santa at the 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party, happening on Restaurantosaurus' patio. As the guest of honor, Santa’s gone over his list twice and enthusiastically welcomes everyone to join the festivities from November 12 to December 24. It’s a (pre)-historic celebration featuring the Dino Institute's students and faculty, making for a magical family moment, especially for the little ones eager to spot Santa!
Once you've shared a cheerful "ho ho ho" with Santa, make your way to Discovery Island to meet the enchanting Merry Menagerie. This captivating troupe of winter animal puppets brings smiles to all, and don't forget to give each puppet a gentle boop on the nose to spark your holiday spirit! Plus, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are ready to greet you in their festive best at Adventurers Outpost.
After ticking off your shopping list and indulging in tasty treats (look out for our upcoming holiday Foodie Guide!), venture to the stunning Tree of Life Awakenings after dark. Delight in the captivating projections that bring the spirits of winter animals to life, offering a truly magical seasonal experience.
Get ready to deck the halls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, adorned with charming retro holiday decor! Starting in November, three new entertainment acts are poised to light up your family’s celebrations.
Step into the fun with the Juggling Elves as they spread festive cheer through playful antics and tricks! Let the spirited tunes of the Holiday Spirit Band, a dynamic brass group, get you swaying to the beat.
Also, march along with the Seasons Jukebox, embodying the energy of a collegiate marching band with hard-hitting horns, rocking drummers, and dazzling dancers delivering everyone’s favorite holiday classics.
Starting November 12, revel in cherished holiday favorites like the festive overlay for For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Catch a glimpse of Santa at It’s A Wonderful Shop and enjoy the spectacular Sunset Seasons Greetings. As night descends, be enchanted by festive projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel and magical snowfall on Sunset Boulevard, crafting an unforgettable Tinsel Town adventure!
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