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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 Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 2018:
1. Watch The Candlelight Processional Live
For the first time ever, you can watch Epcot’s Candlelight Processional via live stream courtesy of Disney Parks Blog! On Dec. 4 starting at 8:15 p.m. EST, you’ll be able to watch the beloved show AND with host Neil Patrick Harris! Also, if you want to tune in early at 8:05 p.m. EST, you’ll even get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the show. Make sure to mark your calendars!
2. Look Inside The Gran Destino Tower
First of all, you can now make reservations for the Gran Destino Tower for stays starting July 2019. The tower is located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Secondly, if you’ve been dying to see concept art for the rooms, the outside architecture, and the two new restaurants, click here!
Reservations are now open for Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort! https://t.co/GrT90uXRiI pic.twitter.com/9OvvrMBPj4
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 27, 2018
3. Disney Gift Card Collector’s Series Honors Mickey
You can now purchase a special limited-edition Disney Gift Card honoring Mickey’s 90th birthday. Designed by Justin Hamana, a Walt Disney Imagineering graphic designer, the card features actual Swarovski crystals! There are only 5,000 cards available “encrusted with over 2,500 premium Swarovski crystals.” The gift cards cost $300 with $90 redeemable loaded onto them. You can pick up the gift card starting Dec. 4 at the following locations and while supplies last:
- Disney World: Main Street Cinema (Magic Kingdom Park), The Art of Disney (Epcot and Disney Springs), and Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories (Disney Springs).
- Disneyland: Disneyana (Disneyland Park), Off the Page (Disney California Adventure), and WonderGround Gallery (Downtown Disney District).
The Disney Gift Card Collector’s Series honoring Mickey Mouse will be available for purchase starting Dec. 4 at @WaltDisneyWorld Resort and @Disneyland Resort! Learn more: https://t.co/cHRSXSvn8W pic.twitter.com/nhjKnJbodC
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 30, 2018
4. Play Disney Parks App: Holiday Addition
There are new achievements and Apple Music playlists available on the Play Disney Parks app for the holiday season! Those using the app at Disneyland Resort will be able to earn holiday-themed achievements at “it’s a small world” Holiday, Grizzly River Run, and Haunted Mansion Holiday.
As for the festive holiday music, you won’t want to miss out on the following playlists!
- Disney Holiday Hits: Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park
- Festival of the Holidays playlist: Disney California Adventure throughout the Disney Festival of Holidays
- Candlelight Processional album: Epcot, which features songs and narration from the show.
And some good news: Apple Music subscribers can even add these playlists directly to their library!
5. Have You Seen The New Ears?!
There are new Purple Potion ears that will soon be available at Disney parks!
The Mickey 90th birthday ears are also now available at Disney Springs’ World of Disney! Regarding the latter ears, not only is “#Mickey90” embroidered on the side, but they include a bow that can be removed and transformed into a bowtie!
Shine bright this holiday season in these brand new #Mickey90 ears—now available at the World of Disney store! (Pro tip: The bow removes and can easily transform into a bowtie!) ✨🐭 #ShopDisneySprings pic.twitter.com/qio4TEwC5t
— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) November 29, 2018
6. More Disney After Hours Details Revealed For AK & HS
Awhile ago, Disney announced Disney After Hours would soon arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, the attractions and entertainment lineup has been unveiled on the official Disney World website for both after hours events! Check them out:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Na’vi River Journey
- Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- DINOSAUR
- Rivers of Light
- Tree of Life Awakenings
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- TriceraTop Spin
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Toy Story Mania!
- Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Character Greetings with Toy Story Land Pals, Mickey, Minnie and Olaf
Disney After Hours dates and times for AK are as follows:
8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m:
- Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018
- Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018
- Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018
- Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019
- Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019
- Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019
- Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019
- Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019
- Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019
- Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019
- Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019
- Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
- Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019
- Tuesday, March 5, 2019
- Wednesday, March 20, 2019
- Wednesday, March 27, 2019
- Wednesday, April 3, 2019
And here are the dates and times for HS:
8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.:
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
- Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018
- Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018
- Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019
- Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019
- Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019
- Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019
- Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019
- Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019
- Saturday, March 2, 2019
- Saturday, March 9, 2019
- Saturday, March 16, 2019
- Saturday, March 23, 2019
- Saturday, March 30, 2019
- Saturday, April 6, 2019
- Saturday, April 13, 2019
Disney After Hours events require a separate ticket than daytime admission. Even though the event officially begins after the parks close, you can enter the park starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $125 plus tax for advanced purchase and $129 plus tax for day-of purchase. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders receive a discount of $95 plus tax. Tickets for both park events are on sale now. You can buy tickets through the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-939-7795.
7. Tokyo Disney Resort Adding ‘Toy Story’ Hotel
To infinity and beyond! The Tokyo Disney Resort is adding a Toy Story-inspired hotel with an estimate of 600 rooms that’s projected to open in 2021. The rooms are said to resemble Andy’s bedroom and his beloved toys, including Woody and Buzz Lightyear. There will also be, of course, dining and shopping. Overall, the hotel will look like it’s made of toys! No further details have been announced, but once they are, you bet I will update you.
A "Toy Story"-inspired hotel is coming to Tokyo Disney Resort! Get the details: https://t.co/8GmiQpp51V pic.twitter.com/XtqrrXWn8K
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 30, 2018
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: Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort