Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule; Dining Reservations for Holiday Parties Now Available

Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule:

The 4th of July holiday is fast approaching and Walt Disney World will have several events on both Monday, July 3 and Tuesday July 4. Here is a rundown of nighttime spectaculars occurring at each park:

Magic Kingdom:

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky -

Magic Kingdom commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9 p.m.

Epcot:

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth -

This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular -

Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Rivers of Light -

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Other activities happening over the holiday:

• The talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50 p.m.
• Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
• The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30 p.m. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

Source: WDW News Today

Dining Reservations Now Available for Holiday Parties:

Reservations are now open for table-service dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table and The Crystal Palace for times during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place select nights August 25 through November 1. Also, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens select nights November 9 through December 22.

Reservations for the frightfully fun HalloWishes Dessert Party and festive Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party are also now available. The cost for either of these dessert parties is $79 plus tax per adults and $47 plus tax per child.

Reservations for either dining or dessert parties can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. To make dining or dessert party reservations that take place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you must have a valid event ticket for that night.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New 'Beauty and the Beast' Stage Show on Disney Dream; Wishes to be Replaced by 'Happily Ever After' Fireworks

New 'Beauty and the Beast' Stage Show Coming to the Disney Dream:

A brand new 'Beauty and the Beast' stage show is coming to Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Dream. The new musical production that will be a live-action adaptation of the animated classic. 

“Beauty and the Beast” aboard the Disney Dream will bring the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements with cutting-edge technology, to create a unique, theatrical experience in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. An innovative take on the story will transform renowned songs into spectacular, show-stopping numbers, and lavish costumes and puppetry will bring a fresh perspective to beloved characters."

The show will debut aboard the Disney Dream voyage on November 6, 2017. It will be joining an already show-stopping lineup that includes "The Golden Mickey's" and "Disney's Believe." Stay tuned for more information in the coming months on the new "Beauty and the Beast" musical stage show.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Wishes to be Replace by New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular 'Happily Ever After':

"Wishes" will perform for its final time on May 11 with a brand new nighttime fireworks spectacular, "Happily Ever After", will debut on May 12. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

The spectacular will inspire guests to seek out and find their own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others.

The Fireworks Dessert Parts that takes place at the Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to take place for guests to enjoy a spectacular view of the new "Happily Ever After" fireworks. Check out this video previewing the show:



Source: Disney Parks Blog

Fourth of July Celebrations at Disney Parks, Fireworks to be Live Streamed on Disney Parks Blog

Fireworks in the sky, food on the grill, and fun time with family and friends. Happy 4th of July Weekend everybody. Today, Inside Disney Parks Extra gave us an inside look at what going to happen this weekend to celebrate America inside both Disney World and Disneyland. Dave Roark, Manager of Creative Photography at Walt Disney World, gave us some tips on how to snap the best shots of your Disney vacation. Check it out:

Not able to be in Disney for the 4th of July fireworks? Don't worry the Disney Parks Blog will be live streaming their "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" fireworks live from the Magic Kingdom on July 4th. The live stream will begin at 8:50 p.m. ET with a fresh new blog appearing at the top of the site for the live stream.

Happy 4th of July everyone and enjoy the weekend whether your in Disney or not, enjoy the freedom we have here in America with some great times with family and friends.