Author Archives: Cody Woodbrey
Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou – New Premium Dining Experience During Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park
During this fall’s Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort, you will be able to take part in a new premium dining experience – Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou.
The evening begins with an intimate, spooky dinner featuring a themed three-course menu. During dinner, Dr. Facilier, from the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” will conjure his friends from the other side, bringing them to life in Blue Bayou Restaurant for a wickedly good time.
After dinner, you will receive a limited-edition custom lithograph featuring art from a Disney Animator. Finally, the Shadow Man bids his guests adieu as they are escorted to a special viewing area for the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular
Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou will run from 7-9:45 p.m. during Mickey’s Halloween Party nights Sept. 25-Oct. 31, 2015. The cost is $150 per person for adults and children (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included. Admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party is not included and must be purchased separately
Click here for more information on Mickey’s Halloween Party at the Disneyland Park.
– Cody Woodbrey
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2015 Event Park Map
Here’s an early look at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2015 Event park map, enjoy!
Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates for 2015
This year’s parties start at 7 p.m.-midnight on September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and November 1.
Ticket Pricing:
- September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1 – Advance: $68 (plus tax) for adults; $63 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- Halloween – $87 (plus tax) for adults; $82 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World during the Halloween season be sure to contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Star Wars Half Marathon Event Sprinting Toward Walt Disney World Resort in 2016
This intergalactic quest through the Walt Disney World Resort blasts off April 14-17, 2016 and channels the Dark Side of the Force. Events include a 5K, 10K, kids’ races and half marathon. There will also be a Star Wars Dark Side Challenge — running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days – that offers each finisher a Death Star-themed medal.
Runners who join the Galactic Empire will enjoy a true Star Wars experience, including Dark Side-inspired medals and merchandise throughout the weekend.
This new race follows the debut of the popular Star Wars-themed race at Disneyland Resort, which will return in January as the “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Light Side”.
Guests who dare to experience both Star Wars races will have the chance to take on the Kessel Run Challenge — completing the Star Wars half marathon missions on both coasts. Kessel Run Challenge runners can earn a commemorative “Coast to Coast” medal inspired by the Millennium Falcon starship.
Registration for “Star Wars Half Marathon – the Dark Side” opens Sept. 22, 2015 at noon ET and remember, you can book a Magic Your Way Package for this event.
– Cody Woodbrey
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announces New Lands, Entertainment and Experiences
At the D23 Expo 2015, Disney has announced an all new line-up of attractions and entertainment will be coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy. This will be in addition to the already 50 different sequences guests experience now.
- Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
- Jedi Training Academy – A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney X D series “Star Wars Rebels.”
- Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, you can explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.
– Cody Woodbrey
Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida
Another themed land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios that will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the world of a toy. That’s right Disney’s Hollywood Studios is creating a Toy Story Land. This will be an all new 11-acre land that will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Here guest will be shrunk down to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions and one expanded favorite.
Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.
Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over.
Toy Story Mania! – As announced earlier this year, guests will glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction. This will allow more guests to experience this attraction each hour.
– Cody Woodbrey
Photo and content provided by Disney Destinations
Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts
This last weekend at D23 EXPO 2015, Bob Iger announced to the world that Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort will be getting Star Wars-themed lands.
With the creation of the all new Star Wars lands at both theme parks will be Disney’s largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life. You heard that right, these two lands will have an all new character experiences where you can meet the Star Wars characters all year round. Another experience guests have been asking for over the years.
“I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars,” said Iger. “We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”
Each of these lands will include two main signature attractions. One of which will allow guests to experience and all new thrilling battle experience, The other attraction allows guests to take controls of one of the most famous ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission.
Dates have not yet been announced as to when everything is to take place but it’s coming and that’s what everyone is looking forward to. When more information and dates are released I will be sure to announce and post them… May the Force be with you!
– Cody Woodbrey
Top 15 Reasons for Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Throughout the years, I have been lucky enough to stay in all three Disneyland Resort Hotels. If you are looking for that extra special something on your next Disneyland vacation, this is it! Below you will find a list of the many benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Trust me when I say, Disneyland can get more magical than it already is, and staying at one of these hotels can make a big difference!
1. Guests have quick and easy access to the Disneyland parks and Downtown Disney – they are literally steps away!
2. Disneyland Resorts are the top rated hotels in the Anaheim area – All Disney Resorts are AAA Diamond rated.
3. Resort rooms are much nicer and more spacious than the surrounding hotels.
4. You can request a wake up call from your favorite Disney characters.
5. Step into the storytelling and magic of Disney everywhere you go – Disney touches are in your rooms, the lobby, pool area, restaurants, even in the carpet and wall paper! You will be completely immersed in the magic!
6. Get Disney’s legendary quality services and help 24 hours a day – If something goes wrong or you have questions, a Disney cast member will be right there to help. Disney has very high standards when hiring their cast members. They are polite and always willing to help. They will go the extra mile!
7. Each day guests have the opportunity to take advantage of the Early Morning Extra Hour into the parks. So, with a five day park ticket guests will be able to enter into the parks an hour before the parks open to the general public for five days. This is particularly nice for Disney’s California Adventure Park. As you may know, Radiator Springs Racers attraction is extremely popular and the line is always long. Having the extra hour in the morning not only saves you time, but within the first hour you can ride this attraction several times. We usually ride it three times during this hour. The same can be true for any of your favorite attractions at either park.
8. Resort pools are larger and are nicer than the surrounding area hotels, plus, each resort includes fun slides.
9. Each of the Disney Resorts have several activities that take place every day that the whole family can enjoy including: arts and crafts, special showings of Disney films, pool parties, computer games, and dinner at the fun-filled child activity center. You don’t get anything like this at the other hotels.
10. Use your “Key to the Magic” card (room key) to charge meals and merchandise purchases right to your room.
11. Have merchandise delivered right to your hotel with Package Express Services at no extra charge.
12. If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa you have a private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure. In the afternoon, only Disney Resort guests can use this entrance.
13. When staying at one of the Disney hotels you can enjoy many of the amenities from all three hotels including the Mandara Spa at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
14. Guests have access to special tours available exclusively to Disney Resort guests (Experiences change pretty regularly. Ask the front desk when you arrive what they are during your stay).
15. Music from the fireworks and/or World of Color can be listened to in each guest room. If your room is facing the parks, you can watch the shows from your hotel.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Mickey’s Halloween Party at the Disneyland Park – 2015
This event is filled with all kinds of spooktacular entertainment and is one of the most anticipated special events of the year. Join your family with a Villainous Fireworks show, popular seasonal attractions, such as the transformation of the Haunted Mansion into the beloved Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Space Mountain into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Here you will find some of your favorite Disney Villains, along with Mickey Mouse and his friends all dressed in their Halloween costumes! Costumes are not required for this event but definitely encouraged. Dressing up for this event for our family really has added to the magic and excitement of the event.
Main Street Pumpkin Festival
In the center of Town Square you’ll find a 12-foot high Mickey ‘jack-o’-lantern’, complete with pumpkin ears. As you make your way down Main Street U.S.A., you will see over 300 different carved pumpkins on display in the shop windows.
Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Carnival
This is one of my family’s favorite places to visit during the day before the Halloween party starts. Here you’ll find your favorite Disney characters in Halloween costumes, special entertainment, pumpkin carvers, activities, merchandise, treats, and this year, the Halloween Carnival is where you will find your favorite Disney Villains. Live entertainment will be provided while you make your own Halloween mask at the craft station or try your hand at carnival games; and don’t miss the Magic Cauldron Sideshow, where you can cast a magic spell to conjure up a Disney Villain.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
The bakers at the Disneyland Resort come together each year to create an original gingerbread house for the ballroom scene. Last year’s gingerbread house was perched on a tall and spindly mountain featuring a flying Zero and a ghost train. At 9 feet tall, it was one of the tallest they’ve ever built. The Haunted Mansion will also be transformed into a Tim Burton ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ theme.
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy
As always this year, Space Mountain will be transformed into “Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy!” Move through space and experience surprises around every corner. Typically, it is best to do the attractions during the day. This will allow you to have more time seeing all the extras of the party and to see more cool and rare characters. If you only have tickets for the party, you will still be able to get into the park at 4:00 p.m., which will allow you to do the attractions before the party starts.
Toontown Treat Pre-Party starts at 6:00 pm
Event guests may enjoy some spooky fun in Mickey’s Towntoon, even before the party starts. Where early Trick-or-Treating Witches & Wizards will greet guests. Line up for the pre-party 30-45-minutes before it starts. This will help you get through the lines a lot quicker, you’ll get more candy, and you’ll have time to see all the characters. The characters you will see for the pre-party are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Chip n’ Dale, Clarabelle Cow, and Roger Rabbit. Roger Rabbit and Clarabelle Cow only come out for this pre-party. This was so much fun, and it definitely kicked off the night on a high note. We saw so many characters and got loads of treats before the party even started.
A Villainous Surprise in the Skies Fireworks’ runs nightly at 9:30 p.m
This “Halloween Screams” Fireworks Spooktacular show is hosted by none other than Jack Skellington. Flames, fireworks and great music all come together to make this a don’t-miss firework show. These fireworks, which are different than the regular fireworks done during the week, are absolutely amazing and are my favorite to watch!
Mickey’s Tick-or-Treat Trails
Treats include apple slices, carrots, raisins, dried fruit, and of course, a variety of chocolates and other candies. Trust me when I say you will leave the party with several pounds of candy. The Trick-or-Treat trails are all over the park, and cast members hand out handfuls of treats.
Halloween Treats
Halloween party treats are sold throughout the park, with exclusive Haunted Mansion treats at The French Market and Café Orleans! Goodies available include Silly Halloween Caramel Apples, Pumpkin Muffins topped with Cream, Mickey Halloween Cookies, Hot Caramel Apple Cider, and Pumpkin Cheesecake!
Dance Party
Take a load off and dance the night away with some of your favorite Disney characters at the night’s dance party event in Tomorrowland. Select Disney Characters come out and dance with everyone; however, they will not stop and take pictures or sign autographs at the dance party.
Costumed Characters
Keep your eyes open, because you never know whom you’ll see–but will you recognize them? Your beloved Disney Characters will be dressed up in their best costumes, and Disney Villains will be out in full force. During our last visit we saw Mickey and his friends dressed up in four different costumes from 4:00 p.m. to the end of the party. It was fun to see all of their different costumes. Just make sure you don’t forget your camera!
List of some of the characters doing meet n’ greets at the party
(May change without notice)
Phineas & Ferb – Innoventions in Tomorrowland; Aladdin Jasmine & Genie – Aladdin’s Oasis; Jack Skellington & Sally – French Market; Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit & Eeyore– Critter Country; Jack Sparrow, Peter Pan, Wendy & Captain Hook – “Pirates Wharf” – Mark Twain & Sailing Ship Columbia Dock; Stormtroopers – Little Green Men Store Command; Toy Story Characters – Big Thunder Ranch; Mickey & Minnie Mouse – Big Thunder Ranch; Merida – “it’s a small world” Promenade; Disney Villains – Main Street USA/Next to the Train Station; Here are the villains – Maleficent, Cruella De Vile, Dr. Facilie, Hades, Evil Queen, Queen of Hearts, & Jafar; Disney Princesses – Fantasy Faire Hall, The Princesses will be with their princess.
Additional Party Tips
The Disney Villains, Phineas & Ferb, Stormtroopers, and the princes can only be seen during the Halloween party. You can see the rest of the characters during the day, which will leave you more time to enjoy the rest of the party, or to see even more characters. You can also see a few other villains at the Big Thunder Ranch during the day, along with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Chip n’ Dale in their costumes.
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015 dates
Friday, Sept. 25; Monday, Sept. 28; Wednesday, Sept. 30; Friday, Oct. 2; Monday, Oct. 5; Wednesday, Oct. 7; Friday, Oct. 9; Monday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 14; Friday, Oct. 16; Monday, Oct. 19; Thursday, Oct. 22; Friday, Oct. 23; Sunday, Oct. 25; Tuesday, Oct. 27; Thursday, Oct. 29; and Saturday, Oct. 31.
If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Cody’s Summer Raffle and Promotions are Here!
Woodbrey Family Travel is excited to announced his Summer Promotion and Raffle!
Each summer, Woodbrey Family Travel has a big incentive for those who book Disney vacations in the month of July and August along with a Big Summer RAFFLE that takes place on his Facebook page. The details on how to enter the raffle and the booking offer are below.
Big Summer Raffle Details
Who doesn’t like to win FREE Disney merchandise just for commenting and sharing Facebook posts?! I know I do and here is your chance to do exactly that. Throughout the month of July until August 9th, share and comment on the new posts that are made. Each time you do so you will get an entry into the raffle to win Disney Merchandise. You could win one or several of the gifts in the above picture. Some posts will be worth double or triple entries so keep an eye out for those ones. If you book a Disney trip before August 9th you will automatically get 5 extra entries. There will be multiple winners!
Booking Incentives Details
When you book ANY Disney vacation package with Woodbrey Family Travel between now and August 9th, you will receive all sorts of extra Disney themed gifts when you book your trip. Below you will find the extra gifts that are given for each Disney Destination. Make sure to mention this blog or code DisneySummerGift to qualify for the extra gifts… So where will you be vacationing this next year?
Walt Disney World Vacation Package Gifts
Lanyards, Luggage Tags, Trading Pins, Disney Activity Book (Packages with kids)
Disney Autograph Book and Pen or Disney Activity Pack (One Per Child), Disney Key Chains (One Per Adult), Disney Crayons Disney (One Per Child), Toy Story Tsum Tsum
Disney Mini Golf Voucher, Planet Hollywood Souvenir Voucher (One per package)
Planet Hollywood $15 Meal Voucher (One per Package), Walt Disney Travel Savings book – Special offerings and savings at many participating dining and merchandise locations throughout the Downtown Disney shopping area – “Disney Springs.”
Disneyland Vacation Package Gifts
Diamond Anniversary Lanyards, Diamond Anniversary Luggage Tags, Diamond Anniversary Trading Pins, Disney Diamond Anniversary Activity Book (Packages with kids), Disney Diamond Anniversary Pen, Disney Diamond Anniversary Magnet, Toy Story Tsum Tsum, $10 ESPN Game Card, Free 5X7 photopass Photo (Photo can be either an attractions photo or one from the park), Disney Autograph Book and Pen or Disney Activity Pack (One Per Child), Disney Key Chains (One Per Adult)
Disney Crayons Disney (One Per Child), Walt Disney Travel Savings Card – A special card offering savings and values at many participating dining and merchandise locations throughout the Disneyland Resort and Early Entrance into Disneyland as long as you have 3 days or more.
Disney Cruise Line Vacation Package Gifts
$30 Onboard Credit, Disney Lanyards
Disney Trading Pins, Disney Activity Book (Packages with kids), Disney Autograph Book and Pen or Disney Activity Pack (One Per Child), Disney Key Chains (One Per Adult)
Disney Crayons Disney (One Per Child), Disney Dry Erase Board, Disney Playing Card, Toy Story Tsum Tsum, Disney’s Frozen String Bag and a Disney’s Frozen Kids Purse
Aulani Vacation Gifts
Disney Lanyards, Disney Trading Pins, Disney Activity Book (Packages with kids), Disney Autograph Book and Pen or Disney Activity Pack (One Per Child), Disney Key Chains (One Per Adult), Disney Crayons Disney (One Per Child), Disney Playing Card, Toy Story Tsum Tsum, Disney’s Frozen String Bag, Disney’s Frozen Kids Purse, Disney Chalk Board and a $30 booking Credit (Must be at least 6 nights)
Adventures by Disney Vacation Gifts
Disney Lanyards, Disney Trading Pins, Adventures by Disney Luggage Tags, Adventures by Disney laptop bag, Adventures by Disney, Disney Activity Book (Packages with kids), Disney Autograph Book and Pen or Disney Activity Pack (One Per Child), Disney Key Chains (One Per Adult), Disney Crayons Disney (One Per Child), Toy Story Tsum Tsum, Disney’s Frozen String Bag, Disney’s Frozen Kids Purse and a $50 booking credit (Must book at least a 6 night trip)
I hope, as you look to future Disney adventures, that you will think of Woodbrey Family Travel when planning. Remember, at Woodbrey Family Travel, my services are absolutely free. Disney takes care of me with no extra cost to you. I am a current Disney cast member and know Disney travel extremely well and I promise you will have the best possible trip planned when booking with us.
– Cody Woodbrey
“Frozen” Summer Fun Cools Down Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Frozen Summer Fun is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from June 17 – September 7, 2015! Enjoy a Frozen fireworks show, royal welcome, sing-along celebration, DJ dance party, special merchandise and food & beverage offerings.
“Frozen” Summer Fun highlights include:
“Frozen” Royal Welcome
You can watch and wave as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf make their way through Disney’s Hollywood Studios twice daily in a festive cavalcade, accompanied by the Royal Arendelle Flag Corps and a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters. Anna leads the procession in a horse-drawn sleigh, as Elsa glides by on a stunning ice palace float.
For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
Just in time for “Frozen” Summer Fun, this popular show moves into the beautiful Hyperion Theater (formerly Superstar Television Theater), located right in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here, you can join the Royal Historians of Arendelle as they host this fun and comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen,” plus all-new theater effects and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff.
Olaf’s Summer Cool Down
As the temperature heats up, you can cool off with Olaf who happily shares a burst of flurries from his personal snow cloud. Here you will see Olaf sing his one is favorite summer songs.
“Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party
When the sun goes down, DJ Chill and some favorite Disney Characters take to the stage for the “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party where you can rock out to a medley of the hottest “Frozen” hits!
“Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular
As the night comes to a close, you can celebrate the coolest day ever as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf come together at the Event Stage for a grand finale to the day’s festivities – an awe-inspiring “Frozen” Fireworks display set to the music of “Frozen” and, of course, a flurry of snow.
If you are looking for something extra special to do, you can enjoy a day fit for Arendelle royalty with the “Frozen” Summer Fun Premium Package, which includes royal viewing access to a trio of these experiences. Each package includes:
- Reserved viewing for “Frozen” Royal Welcome – complete with regal refreshments, including soft drinks and ice cream.
- Reserved seating for a choice of one show time of For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration.”
- “Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular viewing with dessert party, featuring Frozen-themed desserts, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The cost for the package is $69 for adults, $39 for children ages 3-9. Tax and gratuity are included.
– Cody Woodbrey
Very Merrytime with Disney Cruise Line
This holiday season, delight in magical merriment at sea with Very Merrytime Cruises—a Disney Cruise Line event-available on the following sailings.
Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as at Castaway Cay!
Disney’s private island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island’s tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.
Onboard Experiences
On the ship, discover a festive fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor—with a life-sized gingerbread house, 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, shimmering lights and more!
Other holiday enhancements include:
- Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night, with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games
- Tree Lighting Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities
- Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa
- Meet-and-Greets with some favorite Disney Characters, dressed in their holiday attire
- Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—private celebrations where teens and tweens can hang out with new friends
- Holiday storytelling, with new and old tales about holidays at sea and around the world
- Themed activities and crafts for kids—decorate stockings, make holiday cards, go on a holiday scavenger hunt and more
- A life-sized gingerbread house made completely with edible ingredients—and the opportunity to make your own gingerbread house*
- Holiday merchandise available for this event
On December 24 and 25, enjoy additional holiday experiences:
- Cookies on Christmas Eve
- Special holiday towel animals
- Special holiday surprise
- Holiday caroling with the kids and crew
- Religious Services
Very Merrytime Sailings:
Disney Magic: November 11 – December 23, 2015
Disney Wonder: November 6 – December 24, 2015
Disney Dream: November 9 – December 24, 2015
Disney Fantasy November 14 – December 19 2015
– Cody Woodbrey
Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Cruise Line
Discover treats, tricks, magical mischief and spooky surroundings as you celebrate Halloween on the High Seas! Thrills and chills await you at every turn with Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor-including an evolving Halloween Tree that eerily transforms throughout your cruise.
Special experiences include:
- Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party—an atrium party scare-a-bration in addition to Pirate Night—with ghoulish games, trick-or-treating, dancing and some favorite Disney Pals in their Halloween attire
- Halloween-themed activities for all ages, such as mask-making for kids and pumpkin-carving for teens
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where you’re part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally
- Haunted Stories of the Sea—a campfire-style storytelling experience on the top deck
- Halloween movie marathon to get you in the spirit, shown on Funnel Vision and on the dedicated in-room television channel
- Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids—an adults-only party that includes a costume contest
Halloween Sailings:
Disney Magic: October 4 – October 28, 2015
Disney Wonder: October 1 – October 23, 2015
Disney Dream: September 7 – October 30, 2015
Disney Fantasy September 5 – October 31, 2015
– Cody Woodbrey
Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Ins & Outs: “Disneyland Forever” Firework Spectacular
Disneyland has done it again! They have created a firework show that will leave you completely in awe. With the largest installation of projection mapping technology ever in a Disney Park, along with surprising special effects, this show will take you into the worlds of your favorite Disney and Disney•Pixar films during the all new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. The firework show extends to Main Street U.S.A., “it’s a small world,” the Rivers of America, and the Matterhorn as hundreds of projections transform familiar park icons into stunning story scenes.
I’ve seen dozens of fireworks shows over the years and none are as colorful and spectacular as this one. Much like “Paint the Night” Parade, you will want to make sure you are in the right place at the right time to see this new experience.
So, where should you stand to watch the fireworks? My first choice would be to stand near the end of Main Street U.S.A., but still between the buildings. Here you will see all kinds of fun images and cool effects projected on each of the buildings. These new effects brings the storyline of the fireworks to life. You may even see and feel it snow. Finding a spot on Main Street U.S.A as soon as the first Disney’s “Paint the Night” parade ends is important if you would like to get a great spot to stand. This area fills in quickly! When we saw “Disneyland Forever,” we stayed in the shops along Main Street during the first “Paint the Night” parade. As soon as the parade ends, we went straight out into the street and had a great spot!
If you don’t make it to Main Street U.S.A, don’t worry. There are other great places to experience the fireworks. With Disneyland’s new way of doing fireworks, you can watch and experience different story-lines near the Rivers of America, “it’s a small world,” and directly in front of the castle with special images projected onto the Matterhorn. Wherever you stand, you are in for a great show!
Often I hear guests say that the best time to ride the attractions is during the fireworks and that you should skip them all together. However, with this new firework experience, you don’t want to miss it for anything! The attractions aren’t going anywhere, but these fireworks are only available to experience once per day. Take my word for it and you will be one happy guest. Below you will see some of the pictures I took while watching this “Disneyland Forever” Firework Spectacular. Enjoy!
– Cody Woodbrey
Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Ins & Outs: An All New “Paint the Night” Parade
“Paint the Night” Parade is by far my favorite nighttime parade I’ve ever seen at any Disney park. It has new technology and immersive special effects that lift the “Paint the Night” Parade beyond anything seen in the past at Disneyland Park. With vibrant colors and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights that flash and glow, it brings Disney stories to life during this after-dark parade. Featuring unforgettable music and spectacular floats, “Paint the Night” includes special appearances by Mickey Mouse and friends, as well as beloved characters from tales such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story,” and “Frozen.”
With Disneyland celebrating their Diamond anniversary and with “Paint the Night” being a new parade, finding a spot to watch can be a challenge. We found that guests would start lining the streets over three hours before the parade started. It is important to have a plan before you attempt to watch this amazing parade.
As of now, Disneyland has two parades running each night. As is typical with most Disney parades, especially night parades, the second parade is almost always going to have less crowds. Most families with young kids are tired and want to get out of the park so they go to the first parade. If you are able to stay for the later parade, you will save a lot of time waiting, and it will not be as crowded.
That being said, even if you choose to wait for the second parade, you are still going to have to find a spot approximately 45-60 minutes beforehand. If you are set on going to the first parade, you will definitely need to start looking for a spot at least three hours early.
So where is the best place to watch the parade? My first choice would be between the Matterhorn and the outer rim of the main hub in front of the castle. My second choice would be near the “it’s a small world” attraction. I would avoid the standing anywhere between the main hub near the train station along main street to the main hub in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. There isn’t a lot of space in these areas and everyone crowds in forcing you to get to know your neighbor a little bit more than you would like.
Again, this is my new favorite nighttime parade and it is worth the time you will spend waiting to watch it. I hope you enjoy this new parade as much as I have. It really is something spectacular to experience. Below you will see some of the pictures I took while watching this amazing parade. Enjoy!
– Cody Woodbrey
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Opens for Brunch
Brunch Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is now a daily offering.
The Chef Mickey’s restaurant has been one of the more popular Walt Disney World Resort restaurant and now guests can experience even more. This spot has been one of the top places for guest to meet some of their favorite Disney Character, such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale and a few others.
The brunch menu expands some of the breakfast favorites along with soup, salads and hot dishes, including barbecued ribs, seafood étouffée and baked salmon. Plus, the famous Mickey waffles are also on the brunch menu. The ice cream bar and bakery items will also be a part of this expansive buffet.
Hours for brunch are 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Brunch at Chef Mickey’s is included on the Disney Dining Plan as one table-service entitlement.
– Cody Woodbrey
Photo and content provided by Disney
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