Celebrate New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World; Disney Donates $2 Million for #ShareYourEars Campaign

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World:

2018 is fast approaching with New Year's Eve this coming Sunday. Of course there will be many fireworks displays to ring in the new year and here is the schedule:

Magic Kingdom:

• Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks ­– Guests will ring in the New Year in front of Cinderella Castle with the cherished fireworks show on both Dec. 30 and 31, beginning at 11:50 p.m. (An additional showing – perfect for young kiddos – will light up the sky both nights earlier in the evening at 6:30 p.m.).
• New Year’s Celebration Dance Parties in Frontierland & Tomorrowland – Put on your dancing shoes and boot-scoot with a hoppin’ beat ‘til midnight in Frontierland. Or jump start the New Year with an upbeat get-together in Tomorrowland, blasting into 2018 with futuristic tunes.

Magic Kingdom Park hours on Dec. 30 and 31, 2017 are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Epcot

• New Year’s Countdown Fireworks – Say “au revoir” to 2017 around World Showcase as dazzling fireworks light up the sky to welcome 2018 in a booming big way. This spectacular is held only on December 31, beginning at 11:40 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Parties – A DJ dance party will have guests dancing and grooving “around the world” with special entertainment at the America Garden Stage, Future World Fountain Stage and other areas throughout the park. Just for New Year’s Eve, you can move to your own beat with music playing in your headphones at the “Silent Groove” dance party that will take place at Future World Center.
• New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner – Celebrate with a lavish buffet of savory foods and decadent desserts at this ticketed buffet dinner in World Showplace. For reservations, visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) WDW-DINE (3463).

Epcot park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• New Year’s Eve Dance Party – Starting at 7 p.m., guests can join in on a DJ dance party in front of the Chinese Theatre, which will come alive with special projections. The nighttime holiday show Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will take place at 8 p.m., and finally, guests can ring in the new year at midnight with a showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios park hours on Dec. 31, 2017 are 9 a.m. to midnight.

Will you be ringing in 2018 at Walt Disney World?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Donates $2 Million to Make-A-Wish for #ShareYourEars Campaign:

Disney Parks will double its donation to Make-A-Wish from $1 million to $2 million thanks to millions of fans who took part in the #ShareYourEars campaign this holiday season. This will help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses and their families around the world.

There were many fun, silly, wacky, creative, and festive Mickey Mouse ear photos that were sent in from all corners of the world to help make this possible. Every year more than 9,000 Disney-related wishes are granted worldwide with the Make-A-Wish foundation. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog 

New Images & Details on the Disney Skyliner; Grand Opening Gala on New Year's Eve at The Edison

New Images & Details on the Disney Skyliner:

Since the D23 announcement on the new Disney Skyliner coming to Walt Disney World, many have been wondering about the new transportation system. Well as part of the 12 days of Disney Parks Christmas, more details and concept art on the new transportation system traveling the sky from Disney's Caribbean Beach, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Art of Animation, Epcot, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

International Gateway at Epcot:

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney's Pop Century and Disney's Art of Animation:

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Stay tuned for future updates and an official opening date for the Disney Skyliner. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Grand Opening Gala on New Year's Eve at The Edison:

The Edison will host a Grand Opening Gala on New Year's Eve, an exclusive event for guests 21 and older, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Here are the details on the event:

The Edison at Disney Springs will host a dazzling gala Grand Opening on New Year’s Eve, showcasing its lavish Industrial Gothic-style, crave-worthy food and exceptional cocktails plus a truly spectacular lineup of world-class entertainment all within Central Florida’s newest entertainment hot-spot. The Edison’s doors will open at 7:30 p.m., allowing guests ample time to eat, drink and be merry, right up through a special midnight toast to ring in 2018. A fully immersive dining experience, The Edison features multiple themed areas to explore, such as the Lab performance space, The Ember Parlour, Telegraph Lounge, The Patent Office, The Tesla Lounge, The Radio Room, and the Waterfront Patio.

Tickets for The Edison’s New Year’s Eve Grand Opening are $150 and available to a limited number of lucky guests to purchase. The ticket price includes tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live-action food stations and a wide selection of beer, wine and premium spirits from 8 p.m until midnight; plus, a selection of coffee, desserts and a celebratory midnight toast to ring in the new year.

A minimum age of 21 is required to attend this event. Guests arriving to The Edison Orlando are asked to adhere to our dress code.  Men may wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts.  No ball caps, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops are permitted.  Jackets are optional.

Tickets for the event, can be purchased on the Patina Restaurant Group website.

Rivers of Light Soundtrack to be Released; New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Rivers of Light Soundtrack to be Released:

Rivers of Light has yet to debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom, but soon you will be able to enjoy the music from the nighttime spectacular at home. Sometime in early 2017, Disney will be releasing a soundtrack for the music of Rivers of Light and the Tree of Life Awakenings show at Walt Disney World. 

It seems though that the soundtrack will be released once Rivers of Light does eventually debut. Several test showings for the long-awaited nighttime spectacular have been shown but no official debut of the show has been announced. Disney has said that it will debut sometime in 2017, we are holding our breath as we await the debut of Rivers of Light.

New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World:

Will you be ringing in 2017 at Walt Disney World? We already know if you aren't the Disney Parks Blog will be hosting a Disney Parks live stream of the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at Magic Kingdom on New Year's Eve. What else is happening at the Walt Disney World Resort on December 31? Check out this video to find out:

The live stream of the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks will begin at 11:45 on the Disney Parks Blog hosted by Mark Daniel.

Ring in the New Year with #DisneyParksLIVE; Walt Disney Studios Makes History at Box Office

Ring in the New Year with #DisneyParksLIVE:

Disney fans will once again ring in the New Year with #DisneyParksLIVE and the Disney Parks Blog. Fans will be treated to the live stream of the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks this New Year's Eve, December 31. The live stream will be live from the Magic Kingdom at 11:45 PM EST.

A new blog post on the Disney Parks Blog will appear at the top of the page before the live stream begins. I can't wait to ring in 2017 by watching fireworks from my favorite place in the world.

Walt Disney Studios Breaks Makes History at the Box Office in 2016:

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" helped Walt Disney Studios make history at the box office. After Rogue One's opening weekend debut, Walt Disney Studios made history by being the very first studios to top $7 billion at the box office in a calendar year. 

In 2016, Disney had 3 films top the $1 billion mark in the box office in Zootopia, Captain America: Civil War, and Finding Dory. Other major contributors to the history making year were: The Jungle Book, Doctor Strange, and most recently Moana. "The Jungle Book" also came close to topping the $1 billion mark bringing in $966.6 million. 

Chairman of Walt Disney Studios Alan Horn said, "This historic achievement is possible because all our film studios are bringing their absolute best to the table, telling great stories of all kinds that resonate with audiences across borders, gender, and generations.”

Here is to another successful year at the box office for Walt Disney Studios in 2017 and Congratulations to them on making history in 2016. 

Two Disney Parks Live Events in the next 3 Days; New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Two Disney Parks Live Events in the Next 3 Days:

Over the next few days, the Disney Parks Blog will have two #DisneyParksLIVE events. One tomorrow where the Magic Kingdom will celebrate the historic championship of the Chicago Cubs. The other being on Monday November 7, when #DisneyParksLIVE will live stream "A Frozen Holiday Wish" during the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the season.

First up, MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, and Javier Baez from the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs will be joined by Mickey Mouse as they parade down Main Street, USA. The live stream will begin at 4:40 p.m EST tomorrow. It will be streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog and on Facebook. 

In celebration of ending the longest championship drought in sports history by winning the World Series ending the 108-year drought. The players will be cheered on by throngs of fans as they parade down Main Street with Mickey. After the parade, the players will enjoy some special time in the parks with their families and friends.

Next up on Monday, the Disney Parks Blog will be live once again to celebrate the return of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, with the very first "A Frozen Holiday Wish" castle lighting of the season. The live stream will begin at 6:25 p.m. EST on Monday, November 7. 

“A Frozen Holiday Wish,” features the royal sisters Anna and Elsa. Along with their friends, Olaf and Kristoff, Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom – transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.

A new blog post will appear on the Disney Parks Blog when the live stream begins. Will you be tuning in to the next two live streams for Disney Parks Live. Users are encouraged to use the #DisneyParksLIVE on Twitter during the live streams.

New Year's Eve Events at Walt Disney World:

It's hard to believe but with the Christmas season already beginning at Disney World, that means 2017 is fast approaching. Will you be ringing in the new year at Walt Disney World? If so today, Disney announced its time to book these special events at several locations across the Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a list of what you can book:

• California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner. The talented California Grill chefs create a dine-around style gala, with cooking stations throughout the restaurant. And we hear that the Disney characters will make appearances – along with Baby New Year. Wine and cocktails are included. And of course a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks! 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $650. (Dinner jacket required for men.) 
• Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. Enjoy a luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant with gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Dinner is 10 courses, including eight savory courses and two desserts including eclectic wines from around the world. Seatings between 6-7:45 p.m. $600.
• New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace. The spacious World ShowPlace Events pavilion opens for an all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza. Great photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney characters) and Disney tunes make this a real family affair. Soups, salads, hearty dishes and desserts – and the kids get their own station with favorites like mac ‘n cheese, meatballs, chicken fritters and more. Seatings available from 3-9 p.m., $72.90, $44.38 ages 3 to 11. Later in the evening, head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.
• Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner. The elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot will offer six seatings on New Year’s Eve: 11:45a.m., noon, 2:15p.m., 2:45p.m., 5:45p.m. and 6:15p.m. A four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine reflects the traditions of Chef Paul Bocuse, one of the most famous chefs in France (for whom the restaurant is named). Cost is $110.81. A special late-night dinner with two seatings at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. offers and enhanced French menu, including Paul Bocuse’s famous Soupe aux Truffles V.G.E. Cost is $305.03.
• La Hacienda de San Angel New Year’s Dinner. This special evening at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot World Showcase starts at 9:30p.m. and ends at 1a.m., and includes a five-course prix fixe dinner, live music with the mariachi band and a fabulous view of the Epcot IllumiNations holiday show. Start the evening with a welcome margarita, then try the tequila pairing with the appetizers. Wine is served with the main course (surf n’ turf) and a dessert liqueur with the sweet ending.
• Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between from 5 and 5:45p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The menus both feature favorites such as Narcoossee’s lobster bisque, seared Wagyu beef and pan-seared halibut. First seating $150 for adults, $70 children ages 3-9. Second seating $255 for adults, $95 for children ages 3-9.

For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Releases Room Only Offer for Spring 2016; Details on New Year's Eve Fireworks Live Stream on Disney Parks Blog

Disney Releases Room Only for Spring 2016:

Disney released a Room Only discount of up to 30% for Spring 2016 when you book your next stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. The discount is valid on most stays March 15, 2016 through June 11, 2016, trip must be booked by February 28, 2016. Here is a breakdown of the savings:

• Select Disney World Deluxe Villas & Deluxe Resorts save up to 30%
• Select Disney World Moderate Resorts save up to 25%
• Select Disney World Value Resorts save up to 20%

Added discount, is when you upgrade your room and ticket package with minimum 4-day Theme Park tickets, you will get one more ticket day for free. Saving based on the non-discounted price for the same room. The number of rooms for the offer are limited and length of stay requirements may apply. All guests in the same room must be on the same package. Some Moderate and Deluxe Resorts may be available at a lesser discount.

Offer Restrictions:

• Room Only Discount cannot be combined with any other offer
• Advance Reservations Required
• Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort - The Little Mermaid Standard rooms, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. Length of stay requirements may apply.

Details on New Year's Eve Fireworks Live Stream on the Disney Parks Blog:

Yesterday, I mentioned that the Disney Parks Blog would release details this week on their live stream of the New Year's Eve "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Today, those details were released. The live stream will begin at 11:50 p.m. EST on the Disney Parks Blog. A fresh new blog will appear on the blog's website around 11:45 p.m. EST. 

New Year's Eve Entertainment Revealed for Disney World; 'The Force Awakens' Passes $1 Billion Globally Easily

New Year's Eve Entertainment Revealed for Disney World:

Will you be in Disney World this week to ring in 2016? If so, the Disney Parks Blog has released the entertainment for Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom for New Year's Eve on Thursday. Here is the rundown:

• Epcot – It’s a night-long party throughout Epcot, with unique entertainment including a DJ and light show at the Future World Fountain Stage, dancing under flame effects and a smoke-billowing dragon in China, a British blast to the past in United Kingdom, Euro-pop and lasers in Italy, a Latin band and DJ on the America Gardens Stage and a “Silent DJ” party in Japan. Cap it all off with one of two showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The 6:00 p.m. show will include our holiday finale, while the 11:40 p.m. performance will be followed by a countdown and pyrotechnic salute to the New Year.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Ring in a most unforgettable New Year with a Disney character dance party at Center Stage, leading up to fantastic fireworks set to the soundtrack of favorite films and memorable moments from across Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Note: ‘Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’ will not be presented on Dec. 31)
• Magic Kingdom Park – You can get a head start on the festivities, with a special New Year’s Eve eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30. The same show will be repeated on December 31. For families looking to wrap things up a little earlier, both nights will also feature the Holiday Wishes New Year’s Celebration at 6:30 p.m., complete with expanded fireworks and a New Year’s Eve countdown.

Have no fear if you aren't at Disney World for the festivities, the Disney Parks Blog as they announced last week will be live streaming 'Fantasy in the Sky' fireworks live from Magic Kingdom. More details on that will be revealed during the week.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Crosses $1 Billion Globally Easily:

It was never a question of if "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" would pass $1billion globally, it was just the question when would it. That answer is 12 days, and it is now the quickest film to pass $1 billion globally ever. 'The Force Awakens' has grossed $544.6 million domestically after racking in $153.5 million in its second weekend. 

Overseas, the film raked in $133 million in its second weekend for a foreign total of $546 million. Worldwide, 'The Force Awakens' has grossed a total of $1.09 Billion. Overseas the U.K. leads with massive $97.2 million, Germany has raked in $54.3 million, France at $47.8 million, Australia at $35.7 million, and finally Japan at $31.3 million. 

These numbers haven't even reached their highest potential as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has yet to premiere in China, it will do so on January 9. The question is now will it top "Avatar" which holds the highest gross total ever with $2.8 billion worldwide or "Titanic" which made $2.2 billion. Right now, it seems nothing is stopping 'The Force Awakens'. The question will be answered in just a few weeks as some big movies of 2016 are set to be released.

Disney World Announces New Year's Plans; Monorail Breaks Down, Guests Stuck For Hours

Disney World Announces New Year's Plans:

Will you be ringing in the new year at Walt Disney World? Well, now you can make plans as Disney World announced their plans to ring in 2016.

Magic Kingdom:

• Ring in 2016 with Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks on 2 nights December 30-31 both at 11:50 p.m.
• Guests can make reservations for the New Year's Eve Fireworks Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace for both nights.

Hollywood Studios:

• Fireworks show on December 31 near Hyperion Theater

Epcot:

• Guests can enjoy live music from Dj's in World Showcase
• Two showings of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 6 and 11:40 p.m. with both shows featuring a countdown and a 'pyrotechnic salute' to the New Year
• Enjoy dinner and fireworks at La Hacienda de San Angel beginning at 9:30 p.m. on 12/31. Will be a five-course feast featuring Surf and Turf entree that will be $280.13 for adults and $73.46 for children (ages 3-9)
• Monsieur Paul in France will have a three-course lunch and dinner for $85/person. They will also offer a 4-course premiere dining event from 8:45-9:50 p.m. for $235/person or $295/person with wine.
• Le Cellier will be offering a multi-course meal with seatings at 4:30, 6:45, or 9 p.m.
• World ShowPlace will offer a family-friendly dinner buffet with photo opportunities and more. Dinner will be from 4:30-10 p.m. and will be $71.84 for adults and $44.37 for children (ages 3-9)

Walt Disney World Resorts:

• California Grill at the Contemporary will have a special gala with food stations and complimentary alcoholic beverages beginning at 8 p.m. for $625/person.
• Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian will have a 10-course meal
• Narcoossee's will celebrate with two dinner seatings
• Chef Mickey's will have a New Year's Day brunch that will be $44.72 for adults and $26.62 for children ages 3-9

Monorail Breaks Down, Guests Stuck for Hours:

In case you missed the big news yesterday, a Walt Disney World monorail broke down between stops at the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Contemporary Resort. The train broke down due to mechanical issues around 5 p.m. ET. 

Guests were stranded for hours and took the Reedy Creek Fire Rescue around two hours to fully evacuate the dozens of passengers. Everyone was safely evacuated via a scissor lift with no injuries reported. Passengers had tweeted that they had been stuck on the broken down monorail for hours. Source and Photo is credited to WFTV.