Theme Park News - October 26 - November 1, 2024

Theme Park News 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Disney Resorts!

Gingerbread season is almost here, and soon Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will be dazzling us with their holiday magic! These gingerbread displays are a beloved family tradition, crafted by the talented bakery teams after months of dedication. 

Here's what's in store for this festive season: 

Brand New & Returning Creations 

- At EPCOT starting Nov 29, be enchanted by Gingerbread Spaceship Earth, an 8-foot-tall creation with 11 hidden Mickeys and thousands of handcrafted gingerbread triangles. 

- Returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge from Nov 24, marvel at the Life-Size Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Zebra. Grab a limited-edition pin, cookie jar, or ornament! 

- Disneyland Resort's Haunted Mansion Holiday remains a must-see with its spooky seasonal magic. 

Grand Floridian's 25th Gingerbread House Anniversary  

- Beginning Nov 6, this iconic house features 25 hidden Mickeys, baked with over 1000 pounds of honey, and offers a 25th-anniversary merchandise collection. 

- Enjoy treats like Gingerbread Mickey, Peppermint Bark, and exclusive Surprise goodies! 

Other Enchanting Treats Around the Resort  

- Beach Club Resort showcases a spinning Holiday Carousel with characters from "Mickey’s Christmas Carol." 

- BoardWalk Inn presents a miniature gingerbread replica of its favorite spots. 

- Contemporary Resort unveils an impressive Castle Display with 13 hidden Mickeys. 

- Wilderness Lodge offers a selection of holiday sweet treats from Nov 21. 

Limited edition pins, ornaments, and delicious festive treats are available at each location to bring home a piece of the holiday magic!  

Get ready to be swept away by the sweet smells and rich holiday traditions this season!  

Exciting new experiences are coming to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Beginning on November 29 through December 30, beloved traditions like the Cookie Stroll, holiday shopping around World Showcase, and the Candlelight Processional remain, but guests have much more to look forward to this year. 

Marvel at the Grand Gingerbread Display 

This festival introduces an impressive gingerbread representation of Spaceship Earth. The 8-foot tall centerpiece, assembled by the EPCOT Festival Team with the EPCOT Pastry team, features hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread triangles. This delightful display lights up and dances to music throughout the day at CommuniCore Hall, thanks to the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN. 

Explore Decked Out CommuniCore Hall 

Post gingerbread admiration, wander around CommuniCore Hall to enjoy the festive décor inspired by EPCOT’s unique design. The Glittering Grove, presented by Balsam Hill, charms guests with its twinkling trees. 

Discover New Holiday Menus 

CommuniCore Hall hosts two new Holiday Kitchens this year. Check out "Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow," where guests can purchase a gingerbread triangle decorating kit—ideal for young ones. Don't miss "Favorites of Festivals Past" for beloved dishes from previous festivals. 

Participate in Snowflake decorating and Enjoy Seasonal Performances 

In CommuniCore Plaza, a new complimentary snowflake decorating activity awaits, perfect for all ages, along with performances of Holiday Storytellers around World Showcase. Also featured are the lights at "Living with the Land" with the Glimmering Greenhouses overlay, as well as spirited shows by JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in their new CommuniCore Plaza location. These additional activities come with park admission. 

Savor Seasonal Scents 

Enhance your sensory experience with the Festive Fragrances display presented by Scentsy, located between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase. Step into a snow globe garden inspired by Scentsy's holiday scents. Guests visiting CommuniCore Hall can also purchase their favorite holiday fragrances to continue the festivities at home. 

Are you looking forward to these new delights and much more at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays from November 29 to December 30? 

Blizzard Beach Reopening

With the approach of winter festivities, Blizzard Beach at Disney is set to reopen on November 4, providing a unique blend of frosted fun under Florida's sunny skies. This park, designed like a ski resort that's starting to melt, offers a variety of family-friendly experiences alongside thrilling attractions, promising something special for everyone. 

For those looking to enjoy multiple visits, the Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass is priced at $79 plus tax, allowing guests to return as often as they like until May 23, 2025. Additionally, guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels in 2025 can include a visit to the Water Park on their check-in day. This offers a perfect way to enjoy year-round sun and delight in a "snowy" winter day with loved ones in Florida.