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Every week I gather the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and other Disney parks to help you keep up with all of the changes. Here is the most recent Disney news for the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 4, 2018:
1. An Exciting New Character Meet & Greet
With Ralph Breaks the Internet’s Nov. 21 release, it only seems appropriate for a character meet and greet with Ralph and Vanellope to show up at Disney parks. On Nov. 9, guests can meet the beloved characters in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. Beginning Nov. 21, those visiting Disney World will be able to meet the arcade duo at Epcot in Innoventions West. Furthermore, this winter, Ralph and Vanellope will move to ImageWorks in the Imagination pavilion for “regular encounters.”
Ralph & Vanellope von Schweetz are once again venturing beyond Litwak’s arcade for special appearances in Disney Parks this fall! Details: https://t.co/M6DGtmMlS5 pic.twitter.com/1EALlI3vCD
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 29, 2018
2. Themes for ‘Star Wars’ Rival Run Revealed
If you’re ready to run during Star Wars race weekend, you’ll definitely want to hear about this year’s individual race themes, which include a “light side and dark side rivalry.”
Here they are:
- Star Wars Rival Run 5K: Finn and Captain Phasma
- Star Wars Rival Run 10K: Han Solo and Boba Fett
- Star Wars Rival Run Half Marathon: Rey and Kylo Ren
- Star Wars Rival Run Challenge: Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader
- runDisney Kids Races: BB-8 and BB-9E
Those who register by Jan. 15, 2019 will be able to choose their side, however if you register after that date, your fate will be chosen. There are still open spots for both the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend and the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon.
3. Tiki Room’s Rosita Has A New Job
Later this year, The Tropical Hideaway will be opening in Disneyland park. The exotic Adventureland spot will not only offer fun food and beverages, but will feature Rosita from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. You will be able to find her on the river’s edge near the loading dock, because, of course, that’s where she’s waiting for her boat to arrive.
4. The Pixar Lamp Now Shines At Pixar Pier
Disney parks never fail when it comes to the smallest of details. This past week, the iconic Pixar Lamp showed up at Pixer Pier in Disney California Adventure. You can see the cute lamp below, and it fits right in with the sign and the land.
An iconic Pixar Lamp is now shining at #PixarPier in Disney California Adventure park! https://t.co/QvH70lec9D pic.twitter.com/Md4C5oyLs7
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 31, 2018
5. Get Ready For Epcot’s 2019 International Festival Of The Arts
Are you ready for Epcot’s 2019 International Festival of the Arts? The special event begins on Jan. 18 and will run through Feb. 25, meaning you’ll be able to experience 39 days of art fun, in addition to 13 Food Studios. Guests can also expect new events, like the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at the American Gardens Theatre, where their favorite Disney Broadway songs will be performed seven days a week (daily showings are at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m.).
The concert series is included with park admission. Guess what? You can reserve seating through the Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package , which offers guests the chance to make a breakfast, lunch, or dinner reservation at participating Epcot restaurants and later enjoy priority seating at a show. Reservations open on Nov. 8.
For more information about the festival, like details about the food booths, click here.
6. Menus Revealed For DCA’s Festival Of Holidays
You can now browse the full menus for the 2018 Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure! The holiday event begins on Nov. 9 and runs through Jan. 8. The festival features 12 different food and beverage destinations, so be sure to check out the menus and plan what you want to taste this year!
Check out our Foodie Guide to the 2018 Disney #FestivalOfHolidays at Disney California Adventure park: https://t.co/Ng6LQgCrp4 #HolidaysBeginHere pic.twitter.com/V06kh0Tw2J
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 1, 2018
7. Holiday Food Guide For Disneyland Resort
Here’s a full list of all the holiday treats you can enjoy across the Disneyland Resort, including at the parks and the resorts starting on Nov. 9. There are so many festive desserts, dishes, and snacks, so be sure to take note of it all!
8. 2018 Disney Parks Holiday Specials Announced
Disney Parks holiday specials will soon air on ABC and Disney Channel. One of the specials will even include a sneak peek into Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy that’s coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2019! Check out the full line-up of specials over at the Disney Parks Blog.
Disney Parks will bring star-studded celebrations to ABC and Disney Channel this holiday season! Get all the details: https://t.co/i5ez0QMmy8
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 2, 2018
9. Two More Candlelight Processional Narrators Announced
Full House star and major Disney fan John Stamos and Robby Benson, who voiced the Beast in 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, have joined the Candlelight Processional as narrators during 2018’s Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Benson will narrate on Nov. 28-30 and Stamos will narrate on Dec. 1-2.
10. Don’t Forget To Celebrate Mickey Mouse On ABC
Tonight, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, Mickey’s 90th Spectacular, will air. The two-hour special celebrates Mickey’s milestone anniversary and will feature musical performances, moving tributes, and never-before-seen short films. Of course, there will also be plenty of special guests, like Kristen Bell and Josh Gad (Frozen), Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect), Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton), Wendy McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs), and many more!
And… Lots Of New Merchandise!
- In some major Minnie ears news: you will soon be able to purchase Epcot ears at the park! There are four country-themed pairs with Spaceship Earth-inspired ears and bows themed to the following countries: United Kingdom, France, Mexico, and Germany. And for those who love a good Bubblegum Wall photo, there are even Bubblegum Wall-inspired ears!
- There are Funko Pop! figures of the Disney princesses from Ralph Breaks the Internet.
- Clark’s is celebrating Mickey’s 90th with boots featuring Steamboat Willie.
- New holiday refillable drinking mugs are now available across Disney World.
- The new Pluto holiday popcorn bucket can be found at Disney World.
- You can purchase the Dooney & Burke Disney holiday collection at Ever After Jewelry Co. in Disney Springs and at ShopDisney.
That’s it for Disney news from this past week. I’ll continue to collect park updates, so be sure to keep your eyes open for my weekly news post!
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Featured Image: Walt Disney Animations Studios/Walt Disney Pictures