DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Tons of (GREAT) Holiday News; New Pin Trading Changes; Passholder Discount Alert; More Re-opening at Disney World & Disneyland; Disney Cruise News & More
After a week of the Disney news being dominated by the Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration and openings of new attractions and dining options, Disney is shifting to the upcoming holiday season. This week Disney announced the return of a laundry list of holiday offerings around Disney World and Disneyland. If you’re into pin trading, there’s some big news for you this week, along with a brand-new display over at Hollywood Studios that Disney Cruise fans are going to want to check out. Speaking of Disney Cruise Line, itineraries for early 2023 are out. There’s a new Disney sweepstakes out with lots of prizes including the chance to win a free trip to Disney World, so don’t miss the details on that. All this and more in this week’s news roundup.
1 – 2021 Disney Announces Holiday Entertainment at Walt Disney World – So Many Things Returning!
With the holiday season just three weeks away, Walt Disney World released a lot of information this week on what guests can expect during the 2021 holiday season. After a modified 2020 season that saw many fan favorites missing, we’re thrilled that so many holiday offerings are returning. In addition, Disney also announced additional entertainment will be offered during Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours events on select nights at Magic Kingdom. Learn more, including what’s returning, at the link below.
2 – Disney Announces Celebrity Narrators & More Entertainment Returning to EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
This week we also learned more about the 2021 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. A lot of fan-favorite live entertainment is returning this year after being absent in 2020. Learn more about this year’s festival at the link below.
Click here to learn about the first round of celebrity narrators and more entertainment returning to this year’s EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
3 – New Ways to Pin Trade at Walt Disney World
Pin trading is one of our favorite activities to do in the parks. This week at Walt Disney World, new ways to pin trade debuted. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn new ways to pin trade at Walt Disney World.
4 – New Limited-Time Discount for Annual Passholders at shopDisney.com
If you’re a Walt Disney World annual passholder, then you’ll be happy to learn that there is a limited-time 25% off discount on select merchandise on shopDisney.com. Unfortunately, there are a lot of exclusions, so be sure to read the fine print. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on a new limited-time discount for annual passholders on shopDisney.com.
5 – New Disney Wish Exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
There is a new Disney Wish exhibit at Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can now check out this special display and learn more about the upcoming ship debuting in summer 2022. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the new Disney Wish Exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6 – Jellyrolls Reopens at Disney’s BoardWalk
After a very lengthy closure, Jellyrolls has reopened at Disney’s BoardWalk. The popular nightlife spot for adults features dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs. There is a cover charge to enter. Do also note that it is currently open Thursdays through Sundays from 7:00 pm – 1:45 am.
7 – Disneyland Holiday Sneak Peek: A Look at Mickey and Minnie New Fashions and Merchandise
Disneyland is also gearing up for the holiday season! This week Disneyland released details and photos of a new look for Mickey and Minnie, along with a sneak peek at upcoming merchandise. Learn more at the link below.
8 – Disneyland Monorail Returns to Service!
Great news for monorail fans at Disneyland! The monorail returned to service this week! Learn all about it at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the return of the Disneyland monorail to service.
9 – Disney Cruise Line Announces Early 2023 Itineraries
In early 2023, Disney Cruise Line will return to top tropical destinations in the Bahamas – including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay – as well as the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, delighting guests of all ages with one-of-a-kind vacations at sea. A variety of itineraries will set sail coast-to-coast from U.S. home ports, including Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; and San Diego. Learn more at the link below.\
Click here for information on the upcoming early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line.
10 – Pooh Bear Celebrates 95 Years
On October 14, 1926, Winnie the Pooh was published! Pooh Bear looks pretty darn good for 95! Happy Anniversary, Winnie the Pooh!
11 – New Sweepstakes! – Enter to Win a Dream Disney Vacation, shopDisney.com Merchandise
Want to win a trip to Disney World? There is a new sweepstakes, and you’ll want to enter for a chance to win! Disney Cast Member Thomas Smith shares more below:
With the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort now in full swing throughout our four theme parks and beyond – we’re sharing a special opportunity to enter for a chance to experience all the exciting EARidescent magic yourself during an unforgettable dream vacation to the resort!
Now through Oct. 24, 2021, you can enter the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Celebration Sweepstakes for a chance to win a five-day/four-night vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort for you and up to three guests! And along with a grand prize winner, two other prize winners will receive shopDisney.com merchandise credit guaranteed to bring happiness to Disney fans of all ages.
For information on prizes, instructions on how to enter and more, visit the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Celebration Sweepstakes page.
Also, during the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to check out shopDisney.com for must-have collections and special new merchandise created especially for The World’s Most Magical Celebration.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter Sweepstakes between 9/30/21 at 12:00 PM ET and 10/24/21 at 11:59 PM ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18+ at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person per day. See Official Rules for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, odds of winning, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Disney Destinations, LLC, P.O. Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.
12 – Anthony González Surprises Guests at EPCOT Celebrating ‘Together We Are Magia’ and the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration
Calling all Coco fans! Anthony Gonzalez, the voice of Miguel, recently surprised guests at EPCOT! Disney Cast Member Cayla Ward has all the details below:
Turns out Anthony González has a lot in common with Miguel, the character to whom he lends his voice in Disney and Pixar’s “Coco”! Anthony has grown up quite a bit since the film’s release in 2017, but his love for singing has not changed; and if Miguel taught Anthony anything, it’s to seize his moment! During his family’s visit to Walt Disney World Resort last week, guests were delighted with a surprise performance by Anthony and Mariachi Cobre at EPCOT with beloved songs from the film such as “Un Poco Loco,” “Remember Me,” and “The World es Mi Familia.”
While he was here, Anthony took full advantage of all of the special offerings available during The World’s Most Magical Celebration and enjoyed seeing “Coco” featured across the resort in the new nighttime spectaculars “Harmonious” at EPCOT and “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park. He also got to see up close the new Miguel sculpture he announced this summer as part of the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection– part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50thanniversary celebration.
Just like his character Miguel, Anthony recognizes the importance of family. His visit gave him the chance to enjoy Hispanic Heritage Latinx Month and togetherness with his family through Walt Disney World Resort’s celebration of “Together We Are Magia.” Guests can enjoy special food and beverage, entertainment, and merchandise to celebrate Hispanic Latinx culture through October 15.
Enjoy this special message from Anthony commemorating his recent visit to Walt Disney World and performance with Mariachi Cobre!
13 – ‘Disney Junior Dance Party!’ Returns to Disney California Adventure
The popular “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is returning to Disney California Adventure! Disney Cast Member Gabriel Gilbaldi shares more below.
Families with little ones have so much fun to experience throughout the Disneyland Resort! Now, adding to the excitement for guests of all ages, the stars of “Disney Junior Dance Party!” are getting ready for their official return to the stage at Disney California Adventure park this Friday, October 15. This live show features high-energy songs, dazzling special effects, and beloved characters from some of your favorite Disney Junior TV shows.
Check out the video below as the stars prepare for their big day!
“Disney Junior Dance Party!” is hosted by Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay, who encourage guests to sing and dance to their favorite Disney Junior songs. The interactive atmosphere is perfect for kids, along with their parents, to sing, dance and play along with favorite Disney Junior stars like Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” plus Vampirina from the hit Disney Junior series, “Vampirina.”
When it returns, “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will be presented in a modified format, including adjustments to the show to allow for physical distancing. We’ll also adjust how the audience is seated, with parents or guardians seated with their children, making for a much more fun family experience.
There are plenty of other attractions and experiences awaiting young families at the Disneyland Resort! The littlest of guests can join in and take flight on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, go for a spin on Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, discover “it’s a small world,” meet beloved Disney characters and more. Recently, the 3D fantasy adventure “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” debuted a beautiful musical scene based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco,” bringing even more joy to the show’s fan-favorite musical numbers – a hit with families.
Alright, now mark your calendars and get ready to dance and sing along at “Disney Junior Dance Party!”
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.
Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.
Now Through November 20, 2021 – 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning.
Click here for full menus and lots of photos of items available.
Click here for our Instagram Story with photos of food and beverage items, merchandise, and more.
Now Through October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and the 14 things you need to know about “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.”
Click here for details on where to find Halloween treats at Walt Disney World this fall.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Upcoming Resort Reopenings
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- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
October 19, 2021 – Disney Genie – New Planning Tools, Paid Access to New Lighting Lane
Click here for the news announcement about Disney Genie.
November 8 – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for details on the 2021 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for details on the new “Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn about the first round of celebrity narrators and more entertainment returning to this year’s EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Fall Season at Disneyland Resort – Now Through October 31
Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort
Click here for details on the fall season at Disneyland Resort!
Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Click here for details on the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.
Click here for all the information on the all-new Disney Merriest Nights at Disneyland Park.
Click here for a look at Mickey and Minnie’s new fashions and merchandise coming to Disneyland for the holiday season.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Return to Cruising
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.