Two Disney Park Holiday Specials Coming this Holiday Season

Halloween is over and the holiday season is upon us. This year there will be two Disney Parks Holiday specials one later this month on November 30 and another on Christmas Day, December 25.
Each will air on ABC.

The first will be on November 30 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. called, "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magic Holiday Celebration" hosted by Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey from Walt Disney World and Jesse Palmer will host from Disneyland. Performances announced so far are:

1. Ciara in a Christmas medley from Cinderella Castle.
2. Darius Rucker, singing “Winter Wonderland.”
3. Fifth Harmony will sing “Can You See,” from “The Star” soundtrack, and “The Christmas Song.”
4. Fitz and the Tantrums will perform “HandClap” and their original Christmas song “Santa Stole My Lady.”
5. Hanson will sing “Finally It’s Christmas,” from their recently released Christmas album.
6. Boy band In Real Life will sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
7. Jason Derulo will perform “This Christmas.”
8. Lea Michele will perform “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

More performances will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The second special will air on Christmas Day in its usual time slot of 10 p.m. until noon. This year's Christmas Day special will be called, "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration." It will also be hosted by Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey from Walt Disney World and Palmer from Disneyland. Special performances which more will be announced soon are:

• Ciara will sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
• Darius Rucker singing “Home for The Holidays.”
• Fifth Harmony performing “Sleigh Ride.”
• Fitz and the Tantrums will be performing “Last Christmas.”
• Jason Derulo will sing “Silent Night” from Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
• ”Glee” star Michele will perform “Let It Snow.”
• 98 Degrees will play their new song “Season of Love” from their new holiday record.
• Telly Leung and Arielle Jacobs, from the stage show “Aladdin,” will perform “A Whole New World” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The holidays are upon us and we can't wait for these Disney Parks holiday specials.

Source: WDW News Today

Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation Package Announced; VIDEO: New 'Black Panther' Trailer Released

Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation Package Announced:

Walt Disney World has introduced a special vacation package for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Vacation. Guests must arrive on December 21, 2017 and depart on December 26, 2017. This package is full of ultimate holiday fun and exclusive experiences that no-one else will get. Here are the details of the package:

• December 21, 2017 – One ticket per person in your party to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
• December 22, 2017 – Access to special nighttime Extra Magic Hours at Pandora – The World of Avatar within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• December 23, 2017 – A special holiday Character experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• December 24, 2017 – An invitation to a special Christmas Eve dinner celebration at Epcot
• December 25, 2017 – A special holiday gift delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room

This offer starts at $139 per person per night for a family of four at a select Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, or Value Resort at Walt Disney World. A 4-day park hopper and ticket to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is included in the package deal. The package is limited and must be booked by December 10, 2017. 

VIDEO: New "Black Panther" Released:

A new "Black Panther" trailer has arrived from Marvel this morning. The film which stars Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther is set to hit theaters February 16, 2018. A new poster was also released for the film along with the trailer:

First 'Last Jedi' TV Spot Airs; Final Candlelight Narrators Announced

First "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" TV Spot Airs:

The very first of what I'm sure will be many tv spots for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" has aired. Just days after the trailer was released we got more dialogue out of Luke Skywalker as he asks Rey why she is there. We also got some new images in the tv spot.



"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15.

Final Candlelight Narrators Announced:

Two new narrators and two returning complete the list of celebrities for this year's Epcot Candlelight Processional. Disney Legend and actor Kurt Russell as well as Olympic Champion Laurie Hernandez will be reading at the processional for the first time. Meanwhile Jodi Benson and actress/comedian Ana Gasteyer will return this year as narrators. Here is the complete schedule for the Candlelight Processional which runs November 24 through December 30:

• Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
• Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
• Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
• Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
• Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
• Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
• Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional allows narrators to tell the story of Christmas along with a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir. The show is performed 3 times nightly at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre. 

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Tickets for Mickey's Not-So-Scary and Very Merry Christmas Parties Now on Sale

Tickets are now available for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Check out the pricing for each of the party dates below:

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

• August 25, 29 – $74 adult/$69 child
• September 1, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24 – $74 adult/$69 child
• September 19, 26 – $79 adult/$74 child
• September 15, 22, 29 – $88 adult/$83 child
• October 1 – $88 adult/$83 child
• October 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 – $94 adult/$89 child
• October 6, 13, 20, 27, 29 – $99 adult/$94 child
• October 31 – $115 adult/$100 child
• November 1 – $94 adult/$89 child

Tickets can be purchased here for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

• November 12, 14, 16 – $89 adult/$84 child
• November 9 – $94 adult/$89 child
• November 10, 17, 26, 28 – $95 adult/$90 child
• December 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17 – $95 adult/$90 child
• December 8, 15 – $99 adult/$94 child
• December 19, 21, 22 – $109 adult/$104 child

Tickets can be purchased here for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Sneak Peak at Very Merry Merchandise, New Photos from 'Beauty & the Beast', and More

Sneak Peak at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise:

This year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is just around the corner with the very first party being next Monday, November 7. Today, the Disney Parks Blog gave us a sneak peak at the merchandise that will be available to guests. This will include commemorative t-shirts, ornaments, a limited edition magic band, and as always collector trading pins.

For more of look at the merchandise coming to the even check out the Disney Park Blog's post from today. The merchandise will be available at these select locations:

• Main Street, U.S.A. – Emporium (apparel, retail MagicBand, pins, ornament)
• Storybook Circus – Big Top Souvenirs (apparel, retail MagicBand, pins)
• Liberty Square – Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (apparel, logo pin, ornament)
• Tomorrowland – Mickey’s Star Traders (apparel and logo pin) and Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. (D-Tech on Demand case)

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on select nights from November 7 through December 22. Tickets for the party are separate from admission to the Magic Kingdom. Cost varies each night of the party. 

Entertainment Weekly Releases New Photos from Beauty and the Beast:

Today, Entertainment Weekly released 9 brand new photos from Disney's next live-action film of its animated classic in, "Beauty and the Beast." The photos give us our first glimpse at the Beast as well as many other of the characters in the film. All photos are credit to Entertainment Weekly, check them out:

Can I just say what a crush I have on Emma Watson like everyone else does. She is just perfect in the role of Belle. "Beauty and the Beast" retells its story when it hits theaters March 17, 2017.

Doctor Strange Meet & Greet Confirmed for Hollywood Studios:

WDW News Today has confirmed that Doctor Strange will be the very first MARVEL character meet & greet at Disney World. Beginning this Friday, November 4, Doctor Strange will begin meeting with guests and performing illusions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. He will meet & greet with guests towards the end of Pixar Place near the exit of the third track of Toy Story Mania. 

Unfortunately with the restrictions of the MARVEL-Universal contract, this meet & greet will not be publicized anywhere by the company whether it be online, in a times guide, or any cast member publications. 

Early Morning Magic Coming to Magic Kingdom in Disney World; Dates Released for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas

Early Morning Magic Coming to Magic Kingdom in Disney World:

It certainly appears that Disney World is trying to get rid of Extra Magic Hours in its parks, well at least the Magic Kingdom. Earlier this week "Disney After Hours" was announced with a hefty price tag of $150/person to stay in the Magic Kingdom an extra 3 hours after the park closes during certain dates in April and May. Today, it appears information has leaked on another premium event inside the Magic Kingdom for Fantasyland called, "Disney Early Morning Magic."

Here you'll be able to enjoy a trio of Fantasyland attractions in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Peter Pan's Flight before the park opens to guests. You'll also be treated to continental breakfast inside Pinocchio Village Haus which will include:

• Chilled juices, coffee, and teas
• Seasonal fruits and berries
• Freshly baked pastries
• Cheese and cured meats
• Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings
• Vegetable frittata
• Smoked bacon
• Pork and turkey sausages
• Fried potatoes with caramelized onions
• Mickey waffles

Check-in for the event will occur at 7:30 a.m. with admission will be from 7:45-10 a.m. Admission will be limited. Tickets, which are not on sale as of yet, will cost $69 for adults and $49 for children (tax is not included). 

Dates Released for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:

Yesterday, not only were the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates announced, but also the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates were also announced. The party will return November 7 and will run through December 22 this year. The party will run for 21 nights this year. Here are the dates for the party:

• November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, and 29
• December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 22

Returning for the party this year will be Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, Holiday Wishes fireworks, Castle Dream Lights, and the Celebrate the Season castle stage show. Pricing for this year's party has not yet been released yet. A date for tickets to go on sale was also not announced. 

For the First Time in Forever: Frozen is Coming to Broadway; Holiday Special to Air in 2017

"Frozen" fans get excited as some breaking new broke during Disney's earnings call this afternoon. Disney just can't 'let it go' with its popular franchise, with a sequel on the way, today the company announced that the popular movie from 2013 will be hitting Broadway in 2018. Now that's not all, as a holiday television special on ABC will air n 2017. 

The musical which will kickoff with pre-Broadway engagement in summer 2017, will be joining the critically acclaimed Broadway hits in Aladdin and The Lion King in spring 2018. The musical will have music and lyrics written by songwriters Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won Academy Awards for writing the songs for the original film. 

The story will be based on a book by the film's screenwriter, Jennifer Lee. Already attached to the project are multiple talented folks including Tony Award-winning Alex Timbers who will serve as director and Peter Darling will choreograph the show. The design team is also amazingly talented including costume designer Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), lighting designer Natasha Katz (Aladdin), sound designer Peter Hylenski, and music supervisor Stephen Oremus (Wicked, Book of Mormon). 

For more information on "Frozen" on Broadway and for updates you can visit FrozenTheMusical.com.

That wasn't all the "Frozen" news announced during the call as ABC will air an untitled holiday special during Christmas 2017. While little details were announced, we do know that Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven will all return for the special. 

The special will be directed by two-time Emmy-winning directors Kevin Deters and Steven Wermers-Skelton (Prep & Landing, Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa). The special will be produced by Oscar Award-winner Roy Conli (Big Hero 6). Members of the original voice cast will return Kristen Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), and Josh Gad (Olaf) will all reprise their roles for the special. 

'Twas The Night Before Christmas' as Recited by Disney World Cast and Characters and The Disney Yule Log

'Twas The Night Before Christmas' as Recited by Disney World Cast & Characters:

I hope everyone is enjoying their time with their families as we all await Santa. Merry Christmas Eve everyone it was a long day as I finally have been able to sit down for some down time. A few years ago the Disney Parks Blog shared a video of several Disney World Cast Members and our favorite characters reciting 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.' How perfect that is for tonight, the night before Christmas, to share this wonderful video on the blog. The video itself has been watched over 1 million times.

While you are relaxing tonight as we all await the excitement of tomorrow, enjoy the Disney Parks Yule Log.

Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy Holiday Season from my family to yours here at It All Started With a Mouse.

Details on Disney Parks "Unforgettable Christmas Celebration", Walt Disney's Office Suite Restored on Studio Lot, and More

Details on Disney Parks "Unforgettable Christmas Celebration":

Disney Parks revealed details on its "Unforgettable Christmas Celebration" that will air Christmas Day at 10 a.m. EST and 9 a.m. CST, MST, and PST on ABC. The parade will also air in Canada on the CBC Network as well as across the globe on the American Forces Network. This marks the 32nd year for the annual celebration. Details were released but this year's production seems to be centered around Disney World as no details on Disneyland were listed. The highlight for this year's celebration  is the unforgettable family moments the park has helped guests create over the past 60 years. 

The celebration will be hosted by Good Morning America's Robin Roberts as she is joined by Jesse Palmer, as he joins for the first time as a correspondent. Palmer is new to GMA as a special contributor will share updates amidst the action on Main Street, USA. Janel Parrish, Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family, will be the music correspondent alongside Stitch from Cinderella Castle. 

Disney Parks in the spirit of their new marketing campaign, "Unforgettable Happens Here", will celebrate three special families throughout the celebration whose connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It will all culminate with an unforgettable Christmas surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country. 

Music legend David Foster joins today's top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the "We Love Disney" album. The star-studded performance includes (order of appearance is subject to change):

• Jason Derulo shakes up this year’s parade with his rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – available on the “We Love Disney” album

• International superstar, Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god, Hercules with the Disney favorite “Zero to Hero,” also available on the “We Love Disney” album, along with her latest single, “Focus”

• GRAMMY® winning artist, Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of “This Christmas” and new hit, “Every Time I’m With You”

• Country music legend, Reba McEntire sings her original song, “Going Out Like That” and the popular Christmas tune, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

• Breakout musical artist, Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of “Honey I’m Good” and his new single “Good to be Alive,” along with the iconic Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

• Rising pop star, Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and his own single, “One Call Away”

• “Should’ve Been Us” singer, Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” – available on the “We Love Disney” album – and the holiday favorite, “Winter Wonderland”

• Soulful singer, Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a “World of My Own/Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat” medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

• The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Descendants,” Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson, pay tribute to Disney’s most infamous villains with “Rotten to the Core”

The parade will feature many floats from our favorite Disney and Pixar movies including: Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, Inside Out, Frozen, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the upcoming release for next summer Finding Dory. We will also see our favorite characters take the spotlight including Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, the iconic Disney toy soldiers, and Santa Claus. Disney is encouraging guests to use the hashtag #DisneyParade as they join in the fun online.

Walt Disney's Office Suite Restored on Studio Lot in New Permanent Location:

Yesterday, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger was joined by members of the Disney family, Disney Legends, and other Disney luminaries as they dedicated Walt Disney's newly restored office suite on the Studio Lot in Burbank. Parts of the office were recently seen at Disney World's attraction One Man's Dream until they were moved out back in August and inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland.

The restoration faithfully re-constructs Walt's formal and working offices which include original furnishings, some items from his collection of miniatures, awards, and his piano. Office Suite 3H was carefully restored by the Walt Disney Archives as an immersive exhibit experience for Disney employees and studio guests as they find inspiration by visiting the creative center of the studio that Walt loved. 

Here are some photos of inside Walt's suite:

More photos and a detailed look at the restoration can be seen on D23.com. In 2016, the office will be featured on select D23 member tours that is usually offered to D23 Gold Members.

Two New "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Posters Released:

Two new posters for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" have been released featuring Poe Dameron and BB-8. The film is set to be released in just 10 days on December 18, 2015. Here they are:

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot Debuts, "Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie, and More

Kylo Ren Focused 'Force Awakens' TV Spot:

Last year on Black Friday, we got our first tease of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Yesterday, as we are only a 3 weeks away on Thanksgiving, a Kylo Ren focused TV spot debuted. We now have more dialogue to dissect as we hear both Kylo Ren's and Supreme Leader Snoke's as they voice over the minute long TV spot.

We also see what looks like an under duress Finn and Rey telling him to fight on. We also see Han and Chewie as they emerge from the wreckage from the temple previously seen in other television spots. Han than appears to be taking on the same Stormtrooper that Finn was battling in his TV spot.

While there was very little new footage, it certainly keeps the anticipation for "The Force Awakens" very high when it opens on December 18. Check out the new Television Spot below:



"Zootopia" Cast Takes a Selfie:

Earlier this week we got our first look inside the world of Disney's next animated feature in "Zootopia." In anticipation for the holidays this season Disney released two different promos one featuring stars Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), while the other features the whole cast taking a selfie. These are promos for what Disney is calling the Countdown to Zoo Year's which begins December 3.

Judy and Nick Promo:



The Whole Cast Promo:


Disney's "Zootopia" hits theaters on March 4, 2016.

Santa Claus Meet & Greet Now Open at Magic Kingdom:

The meet & greet with Santa Claus at Magic Kingdom is now officially open today. You can find Santa Claus in Town Square Courtyard where Princess Aurora usually greets guest. For the time being through the holiday Aurora will greet guests in Fantasyland. The Santa Claus meet & greet will be open daily and run through Christmas Eve, December 24th. 

Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings; New Dishes at ESPN Club; and More

Just want to say what a wonderful weekend trip to Walt Disney World it was and those few days off from work and the blog were quite relaxing. The highlight of course was getting to spend time with my family and celebrate my nephew's 13th birthday. I'll be working on my trip report this week so be on the look out for that. Let's get some Disney news out:

Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings:

Welcome to the Holiday Season at Disney World. Considering I just left the World just a few short hours ago, I can tell you that Christmas is in full force around the resort and in the parks. Before we get on to Christmas though we do have the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving to celebrate at the parks. Disney World has announced its Thanksgiving Day offerings on November 26. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway will offer a special holiday menu with roasted turkey breast and all the trimmings plus traditional Norwegian meatballs, and pan-seared salmon. At Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offerings will include poppy seed lavash, house-made naan, and apple cranberry achar. 

Special Holiday menus at Disney's Hollywood Studios include: 50's Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, and Hollywood Brown Derby. The Tusker House will have a special Holiday menu at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here is a complete list of restaurants with special menu's around the Walt Disney World Resort:

• Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort Riverside
• California Grill, Chef Mickey’s and The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Captain’s Grille and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Citricos, Grand Floridian Café, Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Flying Fish Café and Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving Feast and Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas-Disney’s Kidani Village
• Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Sanaa at Disney’s Kidani Village Resort
• Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

New Menu Items Featured at Disney BoardWalk Inn's ESPN Club:

The ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Inn is featuring new starters and entrees on its menu along with the old staples that will remain on the menu. Here is a list:

New Starters:

• Bar Flats (the ESPN version of a flatbread with caramelized onion, bacon and beer-cheese fondue; tuna tartare; traditional margarita (mozzarella, tomato and basil); Mediterranean, and the seasonal flat. (pictured above)
• Club Fries – chunky steak fries topped with ESPN chili, Cheddar and ale fondue, crumbled blue cheese, marinated tomatoes, crispy pancetta and green onion. Plenty to share. 
• Pan-fried potato and cheese pierogi topped with herb-infused sour cream and caramelized onions. (pictured above)
• Crispy fried Florida pink shrimp with Cajun remoulade, Sherry aioli and grilled lemon.
• ESPN House Chili with diced onions, shredded Cheddar, smoked bacon, pico de gallo and griddle cornbread. 
• Clam chowder with chopped bacon, herb oil and seasoned oyster crackers.

• Turkey Carver sandwich with roasted turkey breast, smoke Gouda, maple aioli, tomato and bitter greens.
• Seafood mac & cheese made with seasonal seafood and citrus gremolata.
• Sustainable catch with market vegetables.
• Hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomato and lettuce on a toasted bun.
• Petite top sirloin and grilled langostinos with house-made mac & cheese, Cabernet butter and market vegetables.
• Craft beer battered fish and chips with Cajun tartar sauce and fries or cucumber salad. 
• Coffee-brined BBQ-spiced pork chop with fried potato hash and pickled vegetables.
• Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp and andouille sausage “gumbo style” risotto, braised kale and grilled cornbread. 
• Bourbon-ale braised beef short rib with potato and roasted garlic gratin, watercress, pan gravy and market vegetables. (pictured above) 
• Pan-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan risotto, lemony chicken jus and market vegetables. 
• Sausage 3 Way: bratwurst, peppers and onions on pretzel roll; kielbasa and smoked bacon cabbage on a club roll; and Andouille with pickled vegetables on a poppy seed roll. 
• Vegetarian “Unplugged” with seasonal selections

Various Christmas Offerings Begin at Disney World:

While at Disney World this weekend it was apparent that Christmas will soon be in full force around the parks and this was even on Halloween with many stores having their Christmas sections out. Christmas music has begun as well although it is sporadically between regular Disney music.

Yesterday, Santa Goofy began meeting guests at the entrance to the old Studio Backlot Tour taking the place of Sorcerer Mickey. Sorcerer Mickey is now meeting guests in the old Jack Sparrow attraction area.

Also at Disney's Hollywood Studios, although not officially beginning until on Friday, the final and 20th Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights began lighting up for all guests. 

Also check out the shirts, the Disney released for the final year of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom begins this Sunday, November 8. Other Christmas offerings around the parks will begin in the coming days and weeks.

Christmas Offerings for Tokyo Disney Resort, Disney Junior's "Goldie & Bear" Set to Premier on Watch Disney Junior, and More

Christmas Offerings Announced for Tokyo Disney Resort:

This year at the Tokyo Disney Resort, they will be offering some new and exciting offerings this holiday season from November 9 through December 25.There will be a variety of offerings at Tokyo Disneyland Park, Tokyo DisneySea Park, and their 3 hotels.

At Tokyo Disneyland, families will be able to enjoy a "Christmas Fantasy" celebration with a theme this year of "Christmas Storybooks." The new afternoon Christmas parade will be called "Disney Christmas Stories" will bring life to Disney Christmas stories. There also will be pop-up Christmas storybooks and other decorations around the parks that will depict your favorite Disney characters celebrating the holidays.

At Tokyo DisneySea, they will celebrate "Christmas Wishes" with a new entertainment offering called "A Perfect Christmas." It will feature your favorite Disney characters sharing their dreams of Christmas. At night, the "Colors of Christmas" will return this year with its fantastically shining Christmas trees floating on the harbors. 

The signature Christmas tree will be decorated with snow crystals and will appear in front of the ocean liner, the S.S. Columbia. The Cape Cod area of the park will feature a tree decorated by Duffy, ShellieMay, and Gelatoni. The "Snow Crystal Illumination" in Waterfront Park at American Waterfront and "Fiesta De La Luz" (festival of lights) at Lost River Delta will light the park up at night. 

Disney Junior's "Goldie & Bear" Set to Premier on the WATCH Disney Junior App:

Disney Junior fans can get excited for the new series "Goldie & Bear" is set to premiere on September 12 on the WATCH Disney Junior App. They will premiere the first six episodes on the app every Monday through October 12. The animated series will premier on the Disney Channel in November. 

The show will be set in the magical world of Fairy Tale Forest and will focus on kids ages 2-7. It will reunite Goldie and Bear after the renowned porridge incident in the classic fairytale, "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Each episode will have two 11-minute stories that shows off the new and unexpected friendship of the between Goldie and Bear, as they seek out fun and adventure along with their friends and neighbors, all of whom are drawn from classic storybook characters. 

"Goldie and Bear" stars Natalie Lander (The Middle) as Goldie and Georgie Kidder (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Bear. Recurring guest stars of the series will be Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) as Fairy Godmother, Isabella Day (Cristela) as little witch Rosie, Debbie Ryan (Jessie) as Thumbelina, and Miles Brown and Marsai Martin (black-ish) as Jack & Jill. "Goldie & Bear" is co-executive produced by Jorge Aguirre and Chris Gilligan (Frankenweenie) is executive producer and director. Joe Ansolabehere (Recess) is the story editor and Rob Cantor from the band Tally Hall is the songwriter. 

Sign Removed from Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Guests today at Hollywood Studios noticed the Magic of Disney Animation Sign in front of the former attraction is now gone. The picture about is credit to Kristen from @Schmoofy on Twitter. The former Magic of Disney Animation building is supposedly set to become the new Star Wars Launch Bay that was announced at this past weekend's D23 EXPO. 

Star Wars Launch Bay is set to open at some point later this year. 

Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Reservations Now Open; Full Holiday Lineup for Magic Kingdom Released

Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine Reservations Now Open:

A few weeks ago it was reported a new character dining experience was coming to Hollywood Studios at Hollywood & Vine called Minnie's Holiday Dine. Today, it was revealed that reservations are now open for the experience. The experience will take place on select dates between November 7, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Minne Mouse will host guests at Hollywood & Vine for a holiday dinner with special friends Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and special guest Santa Goofy. Holiday themed-decor, food, music, and activities will make Hollywood and Vine the perfect place to hold the celebration. 

The price for Minnie's Holiday Dine will be $46.99 for adults and $27.99 for children or one table-service entitlement can be used on the Disney Dining Plan. Fantastic! dining can also be paired with Minnie's Holiday Dine and will cost $52.99 for adults and $31.99 for children (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Full Holiday Lineup for Magic Kingdom Released:

We are just a few months away from the holiday season and today Disney announced its holiday lineup for Magic Kingdom. This will include the return of last year's favorite, "A Frozen Holiday Wish", which features Queen Elsa and friends as she transforms Cinderella Castle into her shimmering ice palace with lights and fireworks. 

The Jingle Cruise, Disney World's holiday version of The Jungle Cruise, will also be returning along with the annual Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party which begins on November 8 and will run through December 18 this year. 

The party will include special holiday entertainment including Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! Dance Party, 'Celebrate the Season' musical stage show featuring everyone's favorite Disney characters, and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular.

Enjoy all these holiday festivities at the Magic Kingdom this holiday season at Walt Disney World.