Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar with Nightly Extra Magic Hours

For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.

Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This offering will provide Guests with an additional opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Please note valid Theme Park admission and a Resort ID are required.

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In addition, Guests staying at select Walt Disney Resort hotels can reserve Disney FastPass+ selections for attractions, including those in Pandora – The World of Avatar, up to 60 days prior to check-in beginning March 24, 2017. Disney FastPass+ service will be available at the two attractions within Pandora – The World of Avatar during regular Theme Park hours. Guests may select only one of these two attractions in their first set of Disney FastPass+ selections, subject to availability.

There’s so much excitement surrounding the debut of this world beyond belief, guests should take advantage of Nightly Extra Magic Hours to visit Pandora – The World of Avatar. Then, they can reserve Disney FastPass+ experiences to enjoy the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during regular hours.

*Valid Theme Park admission required. FastPass+ attractions and entertainment experiences, the number of selections you can make and available arrival windows are limited. Certain features and benefits require online registration. 

Thank you for reading.  My name is Melissa & am I am Disney addict; I am also a travel agent.  You will find me almost every weekend in one of the Disney parks with my family exploring the newest attractions.  If you would like to plan a journey to Pandora, I can assist you & no additional cost.  That’s right, I don’t charge any fees to book & plan your Disney vacation.  It all starts with a free quote.
Melissa Mathies – Pixie Dust Adventures
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Details Released for Pandora

You can now plan your adventure to visit Pandora: the World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.  The opening date is officially set for May 27th, 2017 and there will be some special preview dates Beginning May 13th.  I will personally be previewing Pandora the night of May 15th and will be writing a full review.
Disney has released specifics about some of the attractions in Pandora.
Below is what has been released on their websites so far…

Pandora – The World of Avatar

Journey to an all-new, awe-inspiring land that celebrates the magnificent power of nature.
Located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, Pandora – The World of Avatar provides eco-tourists the opportunity to join Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) for the transformational experience of a lifetime—filled with unforgettable expeditions, floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest, winged mountain banshees and more.
In partnership with ACE, visitors of every age will have the chance to explore the values and culture of this exotic place, and celebrate the striking beauty and overwhelming power of the natural world.
Welcome to Pandora—a world similar to Earth… but distinctly unique in so many ways!

Avatar – Flight of Passage

Otherworldly Aerial Adventures Await
Soar on the back of a mountain banshee during a thrilling ride above this vast moon
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Fastpass+ attraction
Get a banshee’s-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of Pandora on a rite of passage you won’t soon forget!
Deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara, discover Avatar Flight of Passage—an all-new expedition that lets interstellar explorers like you climb atop a mountain banshee for a breathtaking, first-person flight over the moon’s incredible landscape.
Bonding with a mountain banshee is a crucial step in the life of a Na’vi hunter—and flying on the back of one of these powerful winged creatures represents an important rite of passage.
Now, as a visitor to Pandora, you’ll finally have the chance to test yourself in a similar way!

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Na’vi River Journey

A Family-Friendly Adventure
No height requirement
Fastpass+ attraction
Glide down a gentle, mysterious river and feel a sense of wonder as the full beauty of Pandora reveals itself. Located within the Valley of Mo’ara, Na’vi River Journey offers explorers an experience that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed!
As your expedition begins, climb aboard a reed boat and drift downstream. After coasting through a series of caves, and passing by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures of the rainforest, you’ll soon find yourself face-to-face with the Na’vi Shaman of Songs.
The adventure comes to a conclusion as the Shaman demonstrates her deep connection to the life force of Pandora—and sends positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music!

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Valley of Mo’ara

Hike amid floating mountains, glowing fauna and flora, a native drum circle and many other wonders at Pandora
Behold A Land That’s Beyond Belief
No height requirement, family friendly, walk through the land
No Fastpass+
Walk about through the Valley of Mo’ara and get ready to discover a world like no other!
There’s more to Pandora than expeditions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey… much more! All around its enormous floating mountains, you’ll quickly uncover the valley’s one-of-a-kind dining and shopping experiences—along with sights, sounds and experiences that include:

  • Exotic plants that come to life with beautiful bioluminescence each night
  • A Na’vi-built drum circle, containing instruments playable by all
  • Na’vi totems and other cultural items found throughout the land
  • Brand-new Wilderness Explorers challenges and badges to collect

You may even come across tour guides from Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), scientists from the Pandora Conservation Initiative (PCI), or even an eclectic expat or two!

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Watch this video to see how Pandora will fit into the philosophy of Animal Kingdom:

No Disney experience would be complete without a taste of excitement.  Here is what Disney has released about the food locations opening in Pandora:

Pongu Pongu

Beverages from Beyond Our World
Quick Service Restaurant, no reservations required
Quench your thirst the Pandoran way at an otherworldly pit-stop offering Na’vi-inspired refreshment.
Are your expeditions at Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey leaving you parched? Hike to the corner of Windtraders where you’ll find Pongu Pongu—when you spot a friendly expat serving out-of-this-world drinks, you’ve come to the right place.
Meaning “Party Party” in the language of the Na’vi, Pongu Pongu welcomes weary travelers to try our bioluminescent frozen cocktail, indigenous beers—or even a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere!

Satu’li Canteen

Indulge in the art and culture of the Na’vi while dining inside this former RDA mess hall
This fast-casual restaurant will be the first to offer Mobile Order, a new convenient option to order and pay for meals on-the-go within the My Disney Experience app, allowing guests to bypass the queue to order when they arrive at the restaurant. Using the app, guests can select menu items, customize their order and pre-pay for their meal. When they arrive at the restaurant they will tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which will notify the kitchen to prepare the meal. When ready, guests will be alerted through the app to pick up their meal at a designated window..

A Menu Inspired by Pandora’s Bounty
Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.
Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.
Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.
Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

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If you already have your adventure planned to Pandora, Fastpasses are now open 60 days in advance for Disney World Resort guests.  As an added bonus for summer 2017, there will be an extra magic hour when only resort guests are allowed into Pandora.  I have no doubt that dining reservations will be opening soon.  If you have booked a trip through me, stay tuned and I will keep you informed & updated on the new, added options.

If you are dreaming of your next trip to Pandora, take advantage of a little Free planning assistance to be sure that you are well informed before entering this fascinating new land.
Thank you for reading,
Melissa – Travel Designer & Destination Specialist
http://www.PixieDustAdventures.com
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com

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Rivers of Light: Animal Kingdom Nighttime Show

Disney’s Animal Kingdom park has been promising us a new, amazing show on Discovery River for years.  Last year the show, Jungle Book – Alive with Magic, temporarily took it’s place because the opening had been postponed.  Wait no longer, this show is now open to guests visiting Animal Kingdom Park.

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It’s finally here the date is set for the River’s of Light show to premier on February 17th at 7:15pm on Discovery River.  Although the theater seats 5,000 guests, you may want to grab a Fastpass or a dining reservation now to get a good spot to see this highly anticipated show.  Fastpasses & dining packages are now available.

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My photo from the soft opening of the show on February 10th 2017

Disney Parks Blog has discussed the theme of this nighttime water show saying, “Rivers of Light combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story magically unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.”

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Discovery River Theater in Animal Kingdom

February 10th, Disney surprised us with a soft opening of this new show.  I will tell you that it is an beautiful show with a wonderful message!Spoiler Alert:  Full length video of the soft opening below:

Show Times and Dates are as follows:

Showtimes begin at 7:15pm:
February 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, March 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 & 11
Showtimes begin at 8:45pm:
March 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, April 1, 2, 4, 6 & 8
Showtimes will vary and can change without notice.
Check the Disney parks hours & schedule for details
April 16, 17, 18, 19 at 9:45 nightly
April 21 & 22 at 8:30pm & 10:00pm
April 23 at 8:45pm & 10:00pm
April 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 8:45pm
April 30 at 9:15pm
May 1 – 23 nightly at 9:15pm
May 24th – none on schedule, park shows it closes at 3:30pm
May 25, 26 at 9:15pm
May 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 at 9:15pm & 10:30pm
Showtimes begin at 9:15pm & 10:30pm:
June nightly

Dining Packages are Available at Tusker House & Tiffins:

Tusker House Breakfast: $39 for adults & $23 for children 9 & under
Tusker House Lunch or Dinner: $52 for adults & $32 for children 9 & under

Tiffins Lunch or Dinner: $67 for adults & 26 for children 9 & under
*Signature dining location

If the new experiences in Animal Kingdom make you want to visit this park, contact me today for free planning assistance when you book your trip.  When booking your trip with me, my planning service never comes at an additional cost to you and you will get experienced planning assistance based on the countless hours I spend in the Disney World parks almost every weekend.  Need more reasons to book?  Read through my article below my photo…
You next trip starts with a free quote.  Visit my website or email me today!
Melissa – Pixie Dust Adventures
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Pandora – World of Avatar Opening Date

This highly anticipated land in Disney’s World Animal Kingdom finally has an official opening date.  Today CEO Bob Iger shared the news that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open on May 27th, 2017.

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Here you will enter the stunning world of Pandora where you will be able to walk under the floating mountains and among the bioluminescent plants.

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This is a current photo of what Pandora looks like from my most recent trip to Animal Kingdom in January.  You can see the Floating Mountain above the walls.

Two major attractions have been announced.  The first is the family friendly Na’vi River Journey.  The second major attraction takes guests for a ride atop a Banshee for a “jaw-dropping” experience while exploring the World of Pandora.

There will also be a dining location called the Satu’li Canteen or if guests are on the run, they can grab a drink at Pongu Pongu.  Windtraders will be the shop for everything Avatar; such as cultural items, toys science kids and more.

Is anyone else as excited as I am for this new world in Animal Kingdom?  Stay tuned, I will be visiting Animal Kingdom as the opening date gets near.  Maybe they will have a soft opening or a sneak peak that I can share with everyone.

If you’re dreaming of a trip to Pandora, contact me today for free planning assistance.  When you book though me, my planning service never comes at an additional cost to you and you will get experienced planning assistance based on the countless hours I spend in the Disney World parks almost every weekend.  Need more reasons to book?  Read through my article below my photo…
You next trip starts with a free quote.  Visit my website or email me today!
Melissa – Pixie Dust Adventures
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2018 WDW Marathon Packages Available February 14th 2017!

What better way to tell someone you love them than with a RunDisney marathon package for 2018?  I can help you plan and set up all of the details.

Whether you are young or young at heart, a runner or more of a trotter, Run Disney is an amazing, uplifting race experience for everyone!  It’s not about winning or getting the best time, it is more about completion while running alongside of and encouraging fellow runners.

These race registrations fill up very quickly and this is a great opportunity to get yours before they run out of spots!

run_disney_marathon_packages_2018

It’s the most magical race on earth! The Walt Disney World® Marathon adventure is unlike anything else. beginning February 14th, you can book your Race Registration with a Magic Your Way® Package for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which takes place Jan. 3-7, 2018.

A Magic Your Way Package allows guests to enjoy Disney fun for the whole family throughout the race weekend. They pick their favorite Disney Resort hotel and the number of days for their Theme Park ticket.

Plus, when guests stay at a Disney Resort hotel they’ll enjoy special benefits, including complimentary MagicBands and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning up to 60 days before they arrive!

*Race registrations are non-refundable.

After spending some time at the Run Disney Expo for the 2017 Marathon, I am convinced that this is one of the most amazing Runner events around.  There was so much to do that you could easily spend a few hours shopping and touring around the Expo at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.  Cigna is the 2017 sponsor and they have done such a marvelous job at it.  They offered free airbrush tattoos, runner belts, cheer cards and more.  There was so much to look at that even if you do not run in the Run Disney Marathon, you may want to plan a few hours just visiting the Expo.

I’m looking forward to my personal experience with Run Disney in April for the Star Wars Half Marathon.

My name is Melissa and I now live in Florida, I’m also a travel agent.  If you are interested in any of the Run Disney events, contact me to book your Disney vacation package today!  It all starts with a free, no obligation quote.
Melissa, Travel Agent – Pixie Dust Adventures
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Epcot: Christmas in Norway

During Epcot’s month long “Holidays around the World” celebration, each country in the World Showcase offers a little skit about the traditions of Christmas in their country.  You mean you can learn something on vacation?  Of course you can and Norway is about more than just meeting Anna and Elsa.  😉

In Norway people that live in big cities attend concerts, festivals and other events.  For the country folk on the farms “The Barn Santa” Julenissen pays them a visit.  This mischievous gnome can only be seen by those that believe and the audience will have to help the storyteller believe in him as he plays tricks on her while she tells of Norway’s traditions.

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Julenissen the “Barn Santa” standing with the storyteller

Each of Epcot’s 11 countries will have characters, dressed in costume, perform holiday traditions for guests an average of 6 times a day.  You will need to check the printed times guide or My Disney Experience app, in order to get exact times for performances each day.

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When you pick up your park map for the day, don’t forget to grab the Holidays Around the World Passport.  There is a lot of great information in this little book.  The pages include check boxes & stickers to put in place as you complete each event at the different countries around the World Showcase.

The tale of Norway’s Holiday Traditions is as follows from the sign posted at the Norway Pavilion:
The Christmas season in a festive time in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”:however there are remarkable differences between the holiday celebrations in Norway’s cities and the age old traditions of farming communities.
In Norwegian towns and cities, there are a host of festivities leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Many will celebrate the holidays going to concerts, fairs and markets, with caroling and church services, or the familiar custom of awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.
On many Norwegian farms, there is also much excitement as the children anticipate the visit of “the Barn Santa,” Julenissen, a gnome who lives in the woods and barns across the countryside.  It is believed that he is the guardian of the farm animal and every family’s welfare.  Young children leave a steaming bowl of porridge in the hayloft during the holiday period to thank Julenissen.
Christmas Eve on the farm is busy with fun activity.  Farm animal are treated to the finest oats and barley.  Birds are offered a julenek, large sheaves of grain places high on spruce poles.  Gifts are opened.  After darkness, it “lights out” as homes are illuminated by on the warm glow of candlelight.
Christmas Day throughout Norway is “family time!” Everyone gathers to enjoy the precious gift of food, music and good times that may last for hours!

christmas-in-norway2Julenissen “Barn Santa”: this mischievous gnome makes the story teller dance since she cannot see him because she does not believe.  Is there a child in the audience that can help her see him?

My name is Melissa, I am a Florida resident, lover of all things Disney and a travel agent.  There are so many not-to-be-missed holiday festivities during December in Disney World.  Always arrive early and always plan with an experienced Disney travel planer at no added cost to you.  Would you like to visit Disney World during the holidays?  It all starts with a free, no obligation quote.  Visit my website or email me to get started planning your trip today.
Melissa – Pixie Dust Adventures
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Holiday Cupcakes in Hollywood Studios

What to do while we sit & wait for the new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show to begin…  We buy cupcakes of course.  There are 2 special holiday cupcakes in Hollywood Studios right now each at the price of $5.59 These came from the ABC Commissary quick service restaurant.

The first treat an autumn harvest cupcake made of pumpkin spice cake and topped with maple cream frosting and granola.  Sitting an the peak of this deliciousness is a white chocolate Mickey Mouse in perfect scarecrow attire.

The second cupcake is a dark chocolate Olaf cupcake filled & topped with marshmallow fluff.  The Olaf head is made of smooth white chocolate and he smiles & waits to melt in your mouth.

Even though I am not a chocolate fan, my favorite of the 2 cupcakes was the Olaf Chocolate cake.  My husband and son liked the pumpkin spice cake better so it’s obviously a matter of personal taste.  Be sure to pick one of these up on your next trip to Hollywood Studios, you can even pay with a snack credit if you are on the dining plan.  😉

Find my YouTube video of the new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show HERE

My name is Melissa and I am now a Florida resident and I am also a travel agent.  I spend most every weekend with my family in Walt Disney World experiencing all that they have to offer so that I can help my clients plan the perfect vacation. All of my planning service are always FREE to you and it never costs extra to book through me or directly through Disney.  Your vacation memories are the strongest memories of your life, why not trust your next Disney vacation to an experienced planner?  It all starts with a free quote.
Happy Holidays!!!
Melissa Mathies, Travel Agent – Pixie Dust Adventures
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Walt Disney World 2016 Holiday Festivities

There is no better place to celebrate the holiday season than at Walt Disney World.  The resorts are all amazingly decorated and the parks are no exception.  Disney prepares all year for the holiday celebrations; watch episode 5 of ‘Inside Disney Parks’ to see how they were busy preparing all the way back in July:

Each Disney Park has its’ own holiday offerings.  Below is a line-up of what is being offered in 2016:

Magic Kingdom Park:
along with the fabulous decorations making Cinderella’s castle the focus of the park, the Magic Kingdom also offers special character meets & holiday treats throughout the park.
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Perhaps the biggest celebration in Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, offered in the Magic Kingdom on select nights from Nov 11th – Dec 22nd.  Keep in mind that this is a separately ticketed event.  This festive holiday experience is an entire blog article to itself so I will not go into detail here.  You will be able to experience a light snowfall on main street and make your way to various stations to collect collect different cookies and various drinks.  You will need to purchase tickets in advance to be able to attend this marvelous holiday party.  You can find price & date details HERE
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Goodies above from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

The Jungle Cruise attraction has now been re-themed to the Jingle Cruise for the holidays.  The attraction now includes holiday decorations and a new story line, dialog and even a few holiday jokes.  It might be cheesy, but still a fun & festive experience.
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Totally Tomorrowland Christmas is a fun dance party stage show in Tomorrowland starring Mike from Monsters Inc and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.  This show usually occurs during the Christmas Party, but is currently listed on the schedule, during regular park days during Thanksgiving week from Nov 20 – Nov 26

A Frozen Holiday Wish, stage show and castle lighting on the stage in front of the castle.  Starring your favorites from Disney’s Frozen, Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff.  As of today this stage show in front of the castle will occur nightly at 6:30 from Nov 7 – Dec 31 2016. CLICK HERE for my video of the full show.  The video, with my little camera, does not do this show justice, be sure to see it in person.  🙂

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Cinderella Castle before and after ‘A Frozen Holiday Wish’ show

Holiday Wishes Fireworks, Celebrate the Season will be showing during the Christmas party but is also currently listed on regular park days for Christmas week from Dec 23 – Dec 31.

On November 4th the magic Kingdom began an all new nighttime show on the castle entitled ‘Once Upon a Time‘.  This show replaced the ‘Celebrate the Magic’ show and features Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast leading guests through various Disney bedtime stories.  If you want to watch my video of this event, CLICK HERE to find the full video on my YouTube Channel

onceuponatimeshow

Epcot:
In Epcot all of the countries have been included in the holiday celebration.  During Holidays Around the World, you can lean about the holiday customs of 11 different countries throughout the World Showcase.  Each country will have a story teller (usually the Santa for their culture).  This extravagantly costumed person will be scheduled during certain times of the day to share their holiday traditions with guests.  I can attest to the fact that all of these immersive experiences are both entertaining and educational.  Don’t forget to take the time to taste a few of the holiday treats in the different countries.
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In Epcot you will also be able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus outside of the American Adventure Pavilion
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Each year Epcot holds the Candlelight Processional which tells the biblical story of Christmas by a celebrity narrator surrounded by the rich sounds of a live choir and orchestra.  This is an inspiring and uplifting experience that I highly recommend the next time you visit Epcot during the holiday season.  Some of the narrators for 2016 are Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Curtis Champman, Neil Patrick Harris, Cal Ripkin Jr and more.  This show has become such a HUGE success that I highly recommend reserving seats for a meal through the Candlelight Processional dining package.  This will guarantee you a spot at one of the 3 daily performances: 5:00pm, 6:45pm, & 8:15pm Nov 25 – Dec 30.
CLICK HERE for a full video of the 2016 Candlelight Processional narrated by Steven Curtis Chapman
candlelight_processional

Holidays Around the World in Epcot will offer some new food kiosks along the World Showcase from Nov 25 – Dec 30. You will be able to sample some traditional holiday food.  You collect a special food passport (like the passports that they had out during the Food & Wine Festival) and you can follow along and check off your favorites or the samples that you have tasted.

Hollywood Studios:
On November 14th Hollywood Studios will debut a new nighttime holiday show which follows the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular show on some nights & replaces it on other nights.  The ‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ show will be displayed on the Chinese Theater and will be lead by the popular elves in Disney’s Prep and Landing.  The projections, fireworks & lasers guarantee to get you in the holiday spirit.  CLICK HERE for my full video of this show on YouTube.
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Hollywood Studios will also have a notable opening that is not holiday related.  The grand opening of Pizza Rizzo on Nov 18th.  This new Muppet themed pizza restaurant will offer personal pizzas and other quick service food.

Minnie’s Holiday and Dine Dinner at the Hollywood & Vine Restaurant will take place daily from Nov 7 – Jan 3.  During this dinner hosted by Minnie Mouse herself her pals Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Santa Goofy will join her all dressed in their Christmas best.  be sure that you make reservations well in advance for this holiday meal.

Animal Kingdom:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park will be fully decked out for the holidays and this tree is one of my favorites.  Just look at all of the detail in each one of the larger-than-life ornaments.  Keep your eyes peeled for a meet with Santa Goofy making appearances around the park.
Donald’s Happy Holiday-O-Saurus Dance Party will take place in DinoLand USA from 12/18 – 12/31.  Check the daily times guides for party times.

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Disney Springs:
Not only will the parks be offering spectacular holiday cheer in 2016.  Disney Springs has a new line-up of holiday activities.  A festive atmosphere will welcome guests to this spectacular shopping district.  There will be a nightly tree lighting ceremony, carolers and holiday dance parties.

You can walk along the new Christmas Tree Trail through a gentle snow fall with toy soldiers and carolers. The trail will begin at Once Upon a Toy.  Be sure to admire the detail of the 15 different trees themed after Disney Characters.  The themes announced on Disney Parks Blog will be Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Disney Villains, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmatians, Muppets, Mulan, Cinderella, Princess and the Frog, Frozen, Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, Tangled and Mary Poppins.  The tree tail will run from November 11th through January 8th.

Experience Festival of Toys at the Once Upon a Toy Fountain in the Disney Springs Marketplace.  Toys will magically come alive for an interactive holiday dance party nightly on the plaza.  Plus, there’s a pin trading, nightly tree lighting ceremony and more.

During the holiday season Disney Springs will be showing off brand new drone technology as 300 drones light up the night sky in Disney Springs Starbright Holidays; This will occur nightly at 7:00pm & 8:30pm.  See a special sample video by Disney Parks blog HERE

Don’t forget to share your wish list with Santa at Santa’s Chalet.  You will need to check in and will be given a pager by one of the elves.  It will page you when it is time to return to the line.  Be sure that you have a good camera handy or that you have purchased Disney’s Memory Maker package.  There will be a Photopass photographer standing by to snap those precious & unforgettable moments with Santa.
Santa will be greeting guests daily from Nov 25th – Dec 30th from noon to 10:00pm  From Dec 25th – Dec 30th Santa Goofy will greet guests while Santa prepares for next year.
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Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt Stitch has lost his shopping list & needs you to help him complete it.  Pick up a location map and gift stickers at once of 4 locations: Once Upon a Toy, Super Hero Headquarters, Welcome Center or World of Disney information desk.  There are 11 stores on the list to hunt for Stitch & match the stickers to.  Once complete, visit one of the pick up locations for a limited-edition completer button.  THis runs throughout the holiday season from 10:00am until 11:00pm

If you have time for a festive round of golf, be sure to visit Disney’s Winter Summerland Course where you can play on 2 different courses that feature Christmas Decor and Santa.  This course is located just right outside of Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park which will be closed this holiday season for refurbishment.  Unless included with your ticket this course is an added cost
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All of the parks and resorts offer fabulous holiday celebrations and I plan to attend each and every one this holiday season.  be sure to watch my Facebook page, You Tube Channel and blog for my personal reports.

My name is Melissa and I am a Florida local.  I am also a travel agent.  I plan to experience each and every one of the above listed holiday celebrations in person this year.  Consider booking through a travel agent for your next vacation.  It never costs extra to you & you get expert advice and planning assistance.  Holiday packages for 2017 are already open, what are you waiting for?  Contact me for a free quote.
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Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com

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New Nighttime Show Coming to Hollywood Studios November 14th

Look out Star Wars, the holidays are arriving in the Disney Parks.  Disney’s new nighttime spectacular titled “Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!” will be temporarily taking the place of the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular in Hollywood Studios and will be displayed on the Chinese Theater and includes a mission to rescue Santa.  Disney has released the following details for the show…

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The all-new  “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort on Nov. 14, 2016. Santa Claus is missing and the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the spirited yuletide adventure to the North Pole features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more, all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

Of Course Disney has also released a special dessert party to go along with this show and it is available to being booking immediately.  The Holiday Dessert Party, includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more.  Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses to use while watching the show.  The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

This show will be available in Hollywood Studios though December 31st for all of the holiday excitement.

Watch a full video of the show below:

My name is Melissa and I am a Florida local and Disney annual passholder.  We spend most every weekend in the parks enjoying all of the new things that Disney has to offer.  As much as I would LOVE to watch this new holiday show on opening night, I have a busy schedule for the holidays & I will be bringing you news and video sometime at the start of December.  My weekend plans for November include trying the new Toothsome Chocolate Factory in Universal Studios as well as the Candlelight Processional dining package, with Steven Curtis Chapman as the narrator.  There will be so many amazing happenings around the parks for the holidays.  Stay tuned and be sure to follow me on Facebook for my personal experiences and reports.
Melissa, Travel Agent – Pixie Dust Adventures
www.PixieDustAdventures.com
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If you would like to book a Disney vacation package, why not use an experienced travel agent at no added cost to you?  It all Starts with a free quote:  www.PixieDustAdventures.com

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Limited time Princess meet in Disney Springs

For a limited time you will be able to meet various Princesses in Disney Springs.  The Princesses are always a big draw and it seems that Disney is experimenting with some new meet & greet options.  If you remember, back in August Disney offered a princess meet in the Magic Kingdom exclusive to guests that had purchased Memory Maker. However, this particular meet is open to everyone.

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When:  This new Princess meet is only available from Oct 1st – November 1st 2016 and is open to everyone, during the hours of 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Where: There will be surprise appearances daily at the World of Disney store.  Guests will need to check in with a cast member and will be informed of the wait time and given return instructions.

Who: Guests could meet Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana or another visiting princess.  No set times have been announced for specific characters at this royal reception; it seems that Disney wants to surprise the guests.

Memories: There will be a Disney Photopass photographer available to capture interactions and memories with the princesses and guest will be able to download these photos as part of the Memory Maker product.

My name is Melissa and I am addicted to Disney.  I am a Florida local and spend almost every weekend visiting a new experience in the Disney Parks.  If you would like free planning assistance for your next Disney vacation, it all starts with a free quote: www.PixieDustAdventures.com.
Thank you for reading,
Melissa
Melissa@PixieDustAdventures.com
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