Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55 Beginning 1/22, Reservations Open for Minnie's Silver Screen Dine, and More

Notes:

• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has been extended until Wednesday, January 6. To accommodate the extension Disney's Hollywood Studios has extended its hours until 10 p.m. tonight through Wednesday.
• Soarin' Over California performed its final flight last night and is now closed for refurbishment until sometime this summer. It will re-open as Soarin' Around the World along with the new theater opening.

Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55 Beginning on January 22:

Beginning later this month on January 22, Steakhouse 55 will begin hosting 3 different afternoon tea parties from noon to 3 p.m. The parties will bring the rich tradition of a royal afternoon respite to the Disneyland Resort guests where they can enjoy sweets, savories, and a grand selection of a dozen specialty teas.

The Disney Parks Blog gave this say about the teas and what you will be able to pair them with:

"The amazing selection of teas, including Twinings, features a variety of caffeine-free, loose-leaf varieties or herbal infused creations. Pair your favorite sip with traditional scones, an assortment of tea sandwiches, desserts and more. Apertifs, wines by the glass and cordials are available for an additional cost."

The three different parties you will be able to choose from are:

The Classic Tea Party with traditional scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, teas, and herbal infusions. Cost will be $50.

The Premium Tea Party with sparkling wine, Mickey-shaped scones, salads, tea sandwiches, desserts, teas, herbal infusions, and a farewell truffle. Cost will be $55.

A Kid's Tea Party with scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, herbal infused teas, milk, or hot chocolate. Cost will be $35.

Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Reservations can be made by visiting Disneyland.com/dine or by calling 714-781-DINE.

Reservations Now Open for Minnie's Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine:

The holiday season is over at Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Now, its time for awards season as Minnie invites her friends for the glitz and glamour of a fabulous dinner party for Minnie's Silver Screen Dine from January 4 through March 20. 

Here you'll celebrate the magic of the movies at Hollywood & Vine, which is the hottest spot for awards season. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy will be dressed in their designer best. It's the perfect Hollywood party filled with dazzling decor and a musical score. 

Some of the stellar eats, guests will be able to choose from are: scene-stealing soups including the famous creamy popcorn soup garnished with caramelized popcorn, best supporting appetizers, best leading entrees including (bacon-wrapped loin, lobster and shrimp macaroni & cheese, and honey-bourbon glazed turkey), and themed desserts.

Reservations are now open and can be made by calling DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Slated to Become Highest-Grossing Domestic Film:

It's the #1 film for the third straight week after earning another $88.3 million over the weekend. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has already made $740.3 million to date domestically, it now ranks second all-time. It needs just another $20 million to pass Avatar which holds the top spot at $760.5 million to become the #1 highest-grossing film in U.S. box office history. 

'The Force Awakens' has already made $1.51 billion both domestically and globally since it opened just 2 and half weeks ago on December 18. The film will be opening on Tuesday in China. The question is what will stop this film from becoming the highest growing film ever. Stay tuned as the records keep on breaking for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Major Refurbishment Plan Announced for Disneyland Paris; Hollywood Studios Extends Hours For "Symphony in the Stars" Fireworks

Major Refurbishment Plan Announced for Disneyland Paris:

It was announced today that Disneyland Paris will see a major refurbishment of many of its popular attractions. The plan is refurbish 10 of its most popular attractions which includes Star Tours, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The project is expected to take two years. 

Some of the refurbishments will include Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain finale added to its Paris version, new ride vehicles on Space Mountain, new lighting and dolls in 'it's a small world', and a brand new show for Animagique. A video was released with details on what will be done to each of the 10 attractions. Here is the video:

Disneyland Paris was once considered to be a gem in Disney's Magic Kingdom's but has taken a hit in attendance in recent years. Its companion park Walt Disney Studios has failed to bring in attendance even after the hit Ratatouille ride and restaurant opened last year. Park guests have complained about the condition of the attractions causing a dip of almost 5% as attendance dipped to below 10 million guests. Theme Park Insider first reported the refurbishment plans for Disneyland Paris.

Hollywood Studios Extends Hours for "Symphony in the Stars" Fireworks:

With crowds being overwhelming at Disney's Hollywood Studios due to guests flocking to the park to see the final year of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Disney is making plans as "Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks show is set to debut next week for even more crowds. 

Operating hours are now being extended into the new year. From December 18 through the 24th, the fireworks show will launch at 11 p.m. as the park closes. From December 25 through the 30th, the fireworks will launch at midnight as the park closes. The show on New Years Eve will be a separate show to celebrate the New Year. 

The extra hours should allow everyone to experience the shows as the park is expected to get busier in the coming weeks as families begin their winter break vacations. 

Monorail Collides with Tow Tug, No Injuries; Happy Birthday Micke

Disney World Monorail Collides with Tow Tug:

Photo Credit: @MartinsVids on Twitter

This afternoon during a planned testing of the TCS (Train Control System) on the Express Monorail at Disney World, Monorail Coral and a tow tug collided. There were no injuries during the accident as it was during a test. 

The incident occurred between the Contemporary and the Ticket & Transportation Center. The train collided with enough force to cause considerable damage to the nose and front window of the train (as seen in the above picture). Disney confirmed the monorail was being tugged and became separated. An investigation seems to be on the horizon to see what errors caused the separation. 

Due to the accident, traffic had been shut down on World Drive and pedestrians are being kept out of the area. With the Train Control System that is being tested it could bring driver-less monorails to Walt Disney World in the future.

Happy Birthday 87th Birthday Mickey Mouse:

We couldn't end today's news without giving a shout out to everyone's favorite mouse. It was on this day 87 years ago that Walt Disney created the magic of Disney by creating Mickey Mouse. It All Started With a Mouse and it's all history from there.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!!!!!

Note: Remember tonight on the Disney Parks Blog to tune in to a live stream from Disney's Hollywood Studios of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at 10:30 p.m. EST.

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at DHS Premieres Early, 4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens" Released, and More

New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at Hollywood Studios Premieres Early:

Guests today at Hollywood Studios got a surprise if they visited Star Tours. Today, the "Jakku" scene from 'The Force Awakens' was added early. The scene wasn't supposed to be added until December 1. Here is a brief synopsis of what you will see, Warning Spoilers Ahead:

So, the new sequence takes place after the opening sequence (featuring either Darth Vader or the scanner droid looking for the rebel spy), in the space usually occupied by Hoth, Kashyyk, or Tatooine. You fly into Jakku and immediately the Millennium Falcon is in front of you. Finn appears on the side screen to deliver the classic “Star Tours? What are you doing here?” line. A chase ensues with First Order TIE Fighters, ending with the Falcon pulling an insane maneuver to take out a TIE Fighter. You then crash into some wreckage and the ship stops for a moment. At this point, scavengers from Jakku begin to try and rip the ship apart for spare parts to sell. R2-D2 zaps them away and the Starspeeder 1000 takes off and leaves the planet. The new sequence is followed by a new holographic transmission sequence featuring BB-8. BB-8 and R2-D2 sort of conspire against C-3P0 to continue the mission and protect the Rebel spy. After that, the ride travels to one of the randomized finale planets.

Also cast members at Hollywood Studios today got a sneak preview of Star Wars Launch Bay before it opens in two weeks.

4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens Released with More Details Revealed:

Yesterday, the 4th TV Spot for "Star Wars: Force Awakens and we now have more details to decipher with only 32 days until the release day. Here is the TV spot:

Watch “Discover," the second official #TV spot for #StarWars: #TheForceAwakens - coming to theaters 12/18/15. https://t.co/464hYHWfDD

— Star Wars (@starwars) November 16, 2015

In the photo above we see Rey is at some sort of temple that seems to be being attacked by First Order TIE-Fighters. Could the temple what remains of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. We also see Rey piloting the Millennium Falcon and Finn in the gunner turret as they fly across Jakku. Another scene we see BB-8 in the night as the dessert sky is illuminated by some sort of explosion. Watch the trailer for other new scenes as well as the scenes we have already seen in previously released trailers and tv spots.

Watch The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Live on the Disney Parks Blog:

The Disney Parks Blog will live streaming The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday night 11/18 at 10:30 p.m. EST.  This year is the final year for the famous light show as Hollywood Studios is set to be under heavy construction the next few years.

This year's show runs through January 3, 2016 and features millions of "dancing" lights including displays of angels, toy soldiers, a spinning globe, Santa, reindeer, and so much more. The live stream will appear in a fresh blog on Wednesday night. The DPB reminded fans when joining the conversation to use #DisneyHolidays much like they have used for previous live streams.

Will you be tuning into the live stream on the Disney Parks Blog Wednesday night?

Disney Store Releases Limited Release 20th Anniversary Toy Story T-Shirts:

Today through Sunday, on the Disney Store you can order a limited release 20th Anniversary Toy Story t-shirts. This is in honor of the release of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" 20 years ago on November 19, 1995. The shirts come in both adults and child sizes and can be mixed and matched for a special deal of 2 for $44. If bought separately the adult shirts cost $27.95 and the kids shirts are $22.95. Here is the t-shirt:

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.

Reservations Now Open for Merry & Bright Dessert Party/Merry & Bright Dinner Reception; Disney Cruise Line Summer 2016 Destinations

Merry & Bright Dessert Party
Guests will be able to treat themselves to decadent desserts and drinks as they enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights for one last time this year with reservations for the Merry & Bright Dessert Party. The reservations can be made for select nights between November 6 to December 24, excluding November 17, December 9, and December 18, from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. The party will also be available from December 25 - December 30 from 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tickets are $69 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-9, Tax and gratuity will be included. Guests will also receive a heart-warming keepsake in a custom roll-up stadium blanket. Reservations can be made now online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Merry & Bright Dinner Reception
The fun doesn't stop there as guests can ring in the new year as they enjoy the Osborne Lights with the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception. This will be available for 3 nights only from January 1-3, 2016. Guest will be treated to a holiday-theme fare of shrimp, beef, and turkey served with wine, beer, and other specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. To top it off, guests will receive a custom shadow box keepsake featuring their own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Disney is expecting this special 3-night event to sell out, so make your reservations early. Tickets will be $99 per adult and $54 for children (ages 3-9), tax an gratuity included. Reservations can be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney Cruise Line Announces Summer 2016 Destinations:

The Disney Cruise Line announced some of the destinations its cruise ships would be touring in Summer 2016 for its cruise ships. Here they are:

Disney Magic

• Iceland and Norway - Explore the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Scotland
• British Isles - England and Scotland
• Mediterranean - Visit Naples, Rome, and Monte Carlo

Disney Wonder

• Alaska - Cruise from mountainous shores to fjords fed by glaciers en route to discovering the fabulous frontiers of Alaska

Disney Dream

• Bahamas - A Bahamian voyage for an enchanting trip to the tropics

Disney Fantasy

• Eastern Caribbean - Experience enchantment with a stop at the British Virgin Island of Tortola

Goodbye Osborne Family Lights and Mulch, Sweat, and Shears with Construction Set to Begin Disney's Hollywood Studios

For months we have been speculating that the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights would be ending at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With yesterday's news from Disney COO Tom Staggs that construction would begin next year in 2016 for both Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed that this the 20th year of the Osborne Lights would be the final year.

The Disney Parks Blog had this statement on the ending of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this morning:

"In order to prepare for some incredible experiences coming to the park, including the recently announced Toy Story Land and a Star Wars-themed land, we will not be able to present The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in the future. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year. And thank you to all of you for being part of the spectacle with us. Here’s to making more memories in this, the 20th and final year."

The Laughing Place reached out to the Osborne family and received a quote from Breezy Osborne (Jenning Osborne's daughter) who was the initial inspiration for the show. She said:

"My family and I are more than grateful for the opportunity and experiences that Disney World has given to us, and most of all, given to millions and millions of people around the world. My greatest childhood memory was able to live on for an additional 20 years and it was also able to be experienced by so many-something you can’t really put into words unless you’ve walked under that incredible glow. When the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled the lights on our home go dark, Disney came in and literally made magic happen. I wish there was a bigger phrase than Thank You as they allowed this magnitude of celebration be a part of their park for so long. I have a feeling the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be brighter than ever this year."

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights wasn't the only closing announced for Hollywood Studios today. The final performance of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears will be October 10 after an 11-year run at the Studios. 

Although, Disney has made no comment on the ending of the band.

Here are some of the photos I captured back in December 2013 when I first experienced the Osborne Family Lights.

Disney Parks and Resorts to Celebrate 60 Years of Innovation at D23 EXPO; Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Returns for the Holidays

Disney Parks and Resorts to Celebrate 60 Years of Innovation at D23 EXPO:

Three weeks from today, D23 EXPO 2015 kicks off at the Anaheim Convention Center. Today, D23 and Disney Parks and Resorts released a sneak peak of what they will be showing off during the expo. Disney Parks and Resorts will be celebrating 60 years of innovation while showing off sneak peaks of the upcoming Shanghai Disneyland that opens next year and the Avatar Project of Pandora opening in Disney World's Animal Kingdom. In the release from D23, nothing has been mentioned about the rumored expansions in Disney World's Hollywood Studios or on the west coast in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure which is rumored to include Star Wars.

In addition to the previously announced the Hall D23 presentation, fans will get the opportunity to hear from Disney executives, imagineers, designers, Disney Legends, and other involved with various projects for Disney Parks and Resorts in five engaging panels throughout the weekend. Here is an over view:

On the Show Floor:

Located in Hall C, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Pavilion is a 12,500-square-foot exhibit that gives guests a glimpse of the creative process in designing and building Shanghai Disney Resort, along with a preview of the Avatar project coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In a celebratory exhibit on Shanghai Disney Resort, maquettes, artist illustrations, and media clips capture the designers’ journey as the resort comes to life. Guests can learn about the show design process and discover the tradition and innovation infused into the resort.

Guests will also get an in-depth look at Pandora when they explore what’s to come for the AVATAR project, with models, images, and exhibits on display.

Additionally, Mickey’s of Glendale, the Imagineering-exclusive merchandise store, will open an outpost at the Pavilion where guests will have the opportunity to purchase merchandise specially designed for D23 EXPO 2015.

Presentations and Panels:

Friday, August 14
1:30–2:30 p.m.         60 Years of Disney Parks Merchandise (Stage 28)

Join our talented Disney Design Group artists, merchandisers, and special guests as they take you from concept to reality with behind-the-scenes storytelling about classic Disney souvenirs and how they have become tangible lasting memories. Guests will get a first look at some of the exciting new merchandise coming to Disney parks.

3:15–4:15 p.m.         Safari So Good—60 Years of the World Famous Jungle Cruise (Stage 23)

Skippers from throughout the years reflect on their experiences at the Jungle Cruise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of Disneyland’s opening-day attractions. They will also discuss changes to the attraction over the years including recent holiday overlays and other additions.

5–7 p.m.         Imagineering 60 Years of Disneyland (Stage 23)

In a two-part panel discussion about Disneyland with Disney Legends and current Imagineers, panelists will discuss how it all began, what it took to carry on Walt Disney’s legacy, and how Imagineers are continuing to deliver magic well into the future. The panel is moderated by Academy Award®- and Emmy®-nominated filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who will present a new trailer from her forthcoming documentary about Walt Disney Imagineering.

Sunday, August 16
10–11 a.m.         Disney Kingdoms (Stage 28)

Guests will learn about Disney Kingdoms, a joint collaboration between Marvel Comics and Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests will hear how these popular comic book series got started and discover the creators and theme park inspirations behind these popular titles, including Seekers of the Weird, Figment, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

3–4 p.m.         Experience the World with Disney: Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Vacation Club (Stage 28)

This panel will provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Disney is creating new vacation experiences for families all around the world. The first 400 guests in attendance will get a D23 EXPO-exclusive pin set.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Returning for the Holidays:

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios for the holidays this year. Among rumors, due to the rumored expansion of Hollywood Studios, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a wonderful view that takes place in the Streets of America. This years spectacle will run November 6, 2015 through January 3, 2016.