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Special Events at Walt Disney WorldLAST UPDATE: 8/7/08 - MOST RECENT ADDITIONS ARE IN REDJump to:
Spring Events
Summer Events Fall Events
Year of a Million DreamsNow through the end of 2008, Disney World theme park guests can enjoy a celebration called "The Year of a Million Dreams." This promotion emphasizes special experiences that are only available at Disney's theme parks. Through the Disney Dream Giveaway, guests may have an opportunity to experience fabulous Disney "dreams" such as spending a night in Cinderella Castle, enjoying a meeting with a Princess, or receiving a special FASTPASS allowing the bearer to jump to the head of the line. To learn more about the Year of a Million Dreams, click here. Attraction Previews for the General PublicFrom time to time, Walt Disney World offers special previews of new attractions on an informal basis, before the attractions officially open to the public. These previews are also called "soft openings." During previews, the attraction may be open intermittently or not at all. Attractions that are in the "soft opening" stage are usually NOT listed in the official Park Times & Information guide. You'll have to check the Park Tip Board upon arrival at the theme park, ask a Cast Member and/or stop by the attraction to see if it's open. Since previews are used to test new attractions, there may be delays, the ride/show may shut down abruptly, etc. I will list any rumors or reports of previews/soft openings here when available. Passholder and DVC Member Exclusive EventsFrom time to time, Walt Disney World offers special events exclusively for holders of its Seasonal, Annual and Premium Annual Passes and/or members of Disney Vacation Club. I will list any upcoming events here. Tinker Bell Screening at Magic Kingdom On September 27 and 28, Walt Disney World passholders can attend advance screenings of a new animated feature, Tinker Bell, at Magic Kingdom. You’ll be seeing it more than three weeks before the general public does. It will be released direct to DVD on October 28, 2008. For show times and to sign up, visit disneyworld.com/passholder. Visiting the web site is the only way to sign up. St. Patrick's DayPleasure Island turns green for St. Patrick's Day each year with "Sham Rock 'n' Roll" festivities. In 2008, the Pleasure Island events were March 14, 15 and 17 from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The celebration included live music by Irish artists, leprechauns and green specialty beverages. The outdoor elements of the St. Patrick's Day celebration, are free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. You can also celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Downtown Disney. Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub usually offers a program of Irish music, song and dance across during St. Patrick's Day weekend. EasterDisney does not offer an Easter parade or decorations in the parks. There is usually a "meet and greet" with the Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom during Easter Week. Some of the Disney hotels offer egg hunts, etc to their guests. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, inquire at the front desk when you arrive. There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Easter Sunday. An Easter Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) April 5-18, 2009. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Easter Sunday, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Religious services are held on Easter Sunday only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am.You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get there, you must do one of the following:
Epcot International Flower and Garden FestivalThe Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is an annual event. The 2008 festival was March 19 - June 1. New festival fun for 2008 included:
Guests can enjoy up to 70 topiaries, plus 30 million blooms, artfully designed floral beds, expertly crafted bonsai trees and lush rose gardens gracing the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase. Beyond the dazzling displays of bursting blooms, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits. Each evening, Flower Power concerts rock the park with live entertainment from top acts of the 1960s and '70s. More festival highlights include:
More information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. 2008 Flower Power Concert Series
Cinco de MayoCinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage and commemorates a Mexican victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. There is a relatively low-key Cinco de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, tied in with the International Flower & Garden Festival. It usually features some sort of special activity for families. In addition, there is a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. The outdoor elements of the Cinco de Mayo celebration are free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Minnie Marathon WeekendDisney's Minnie Marathon Weekend is the Women's Endurance Event at the Walt Disney World Resort. With a 15K and a 5K, Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend truly has something for everyone and every fitness level. Bring your grandmothers, your daughters, and the whole family for a weekend of fun and fitness. 2008 Event Schedule
To register, visit DisneyWorldSports.com. Mother's DayA Mother's Day Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required.
Star Wars WeekendsEach year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters in costume appear in special motorcades and autograph sessions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests and special Star Wars parades are also held. The 2008 Star Wars Weekends was held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 6 - June 29, 2008. 2008 Celebrity Appearances
For more information about Star Wars Weekends, please click here. Gay DaysGay Days is usually held the first week of June. In 2008 the dates were June 3-9, with events in the Disney theme parks on June 5-8. While this is not a Disney-sponsored event, it is a very well-attended one. Gay Days originally began in 1991. At the time it was "Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom," a single day when the gay and gay supportive community was encouraged to "Wear Red and Be Seen" while visiting the world’s most popular theme park. Over the years it has grown to a week-long event and split into two organized groups. Visit GayDays.com and OneMightyWeekend.com for more info. Sounds Like SummerAll summer long you can dance to classic rock n' roll hits under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. This summer concert series features a lineup of cover bands performing timeless tunes from artists like Billy Joel, ABBA, The Eagles and Chicago. Get the family together and groove to the songs you all know and love! The 2008 "Sounds Like Summer" concerts are offered June 9-August 10. There are three shows nightly at 5:45 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, included in park admission. 2008 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series (artists subject to change)
July 4Theme Parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios all offer special fireworks shows in the evening on July 4. These festivities are included in regular park admission. Disney's Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on July 4 (particularly if it falls on a weekend), be aware that it is one of the most popular days of the year. The parks may reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any items you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island In 2008 a special fireworks display took place in Downtown Disney at 10:30 pm. Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the July 4 celebration at Downtown Disney free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Bastille DayOn July 14 the France Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults. Night of JoyContemporary Christian music acts perform at Disney World on two nights each September. This is an after-hours event that requires a separate ticket. In 2008, the events will take place at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 5 & 6 from 7:30 pm - 12:30 am. 2008 Night of Joy Entertainers (subject to change) September 5
September 6
2008 single-night tickets are $44.95 plus tax in advance. Two-night advance-purchase tickets are $75.95 plus tax. If tickets are still available at the gate on the nights of the performances, they will be priced at $49.95 plus tax. 2008 tickets went on sale on 3/14/08. Call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639) to order. US Open Water Ski ChampionshipsThis annual event takes place on the lake adjacent to Downtown Disney. Spectators can watch the competition from the waterfront areas of Downtown Disney. Carts selling food and beverages are set up along the viewing areas during the event. The 2007 event was held on September 15 and 16, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Athletes for a Cure TriathlonThe inaugural Athletes for a Cure Triathlon will take place at Walt Disney World Resort on September 21, 2008, to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. $25 of each athlete's entry fee will go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. All athletes will also have the opportunity to win awards ranging from 2XU race uniforms to a 7 day Cruise by racing in the special Fundraising Division where the race goes to the biggest heart, not the fastest legs. For more information on the Triathlon events, please click here. Expedition Everest ChallengeThis new nighttime 5K running event debuts on September 27, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30 pm, followed by a party in Animal Kingdom park from 10:00 pm to midnight. This endurance event allows teams and individuals to compete, collecting stamps in an Expedition Passport along the way. Participants must be at least 11 years of age to participate and must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace for the 5K. There is a 2.5 hour time limit for the entire race. The cost is $195 for Team Registration or $100 for Individual Registration. Each person who registers receives:
For more info, click here. Epcot International Food and Wine FestivalEach fall, Epcot hosts the International Food and Wine Festival, a several-weeks-long celebration that includes both "free" (i.e. included in Epcot admission) and separately ticketed events such as Food and Wine Pairings, Specialty Dinners and Party for the Senses. The 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be held September 26-November 9. Wondering what it's like? Click here to read my husband Mike's review of our October 2006 visit to the Food & Wine Festival. Click here to read about our experiences at the 2005 Food & Wine Festival. For 2008, more than 25 international marketplaces will serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties at $2-to-$5 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. New festival flavors explore the culinary wonders of Lyon, France; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; Bologna, Italy; Tokyo and Mexico City. Exhibits along the promenade also will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries. Daily complimentary wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools. Special Activities for 2008:
Other highlights include:
For additional information about the 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, click here. Select wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural exhibits, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission. Separate admission events require reservations and payment of an additional fee over and above park admission. Separate Admission EventsVertical Wine Tastings Wonders of Life Festival Center
The Cook, The Book and The Bottle An acclaimed cookbook author prepares a delicious three-course lunch. Participants receive an autographed book, a commemorative bottle of wine and a memorable experience. A notable wine principal presents the accompanying wine. Wonders of Life Festival Center
Celebrating Greece Enjoy a sumptuous feast crafted by Chef Pano Karatassos of Kyma Restaurant in Atlanta, GA and Chef Piero Premoli of Pricci Restaruant in Atlanta, GA. The evening includes a welcome reception, a four-course meal, modern Greek wines and live Greek music. World ShowPlace Pavilion Party for the Senses Begin your evening with a reserved seat at the Eat to the Beat concert series at the America Gardens Theatre. Following the show, World ShowPlace becomes the setting for an amazing evening showcasing the talents of more than 25 eminent chefs and over 25 wineries and breweries. Wander amongst various tasting stations in the midst of imaginative décor and exciting atmosphere. World ShowPlace Sweet Sundays Celebrity pastry chefs create three desserts. Guests sample each demonstrated dessert. Includes breakfast buffet and sparkling wine. Wonders of Life Festival Center
Cheese Tastings Learn more about cheese with the expert "fromagers" from the Artisanal Premium Cheese Center in New York City and other accomplished experts in the cheese industry today. Cheeses are tasted with wines from important producers. Wonders of Life Festival Center
Food & Wine Pairings Discover a marriage of three regional wines with three tasting-size portions of regional cuisines from Epcot Signature restaurants. A winemaker will moderate each session. $55 per person, plus tax, gratuity included. Epcot admission required.
Eat to the Beat ConcertsEnjoy musical evenings during the Food & Wine Festival with the "Eat to the Beat!" concerts scheduled daily at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 pm on the America Gardens Theatre stage. 2008 Eat to the Beat! Concert Lineup (subject to change)
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween PartyMickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is held on selected nights in October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Reportedly guests with Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins. Admission to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids, costume parades for little ones, character meet-and-greets, fortune tellers, Halloween riverboat ride, two performances of a unique holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety and appropriateness). Plus, most of the major attractions are open. Is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the money? Depends on how much you are "into" Halloween. Some of the experiences available during the party are not offered at any other time, so it allows you to enjoy Magic Kingdom in a unique way. Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and Halloween night, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. Don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parade, shows and Halloween "atmosphere." It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible. You are allowed to book reservations at either of the two restaurants more than 180 days in advance if you do so at the time you purchase the Halloween Party tickets. (Reservations must be for the same night as your tickets and for 6:00 pm or later.) Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2008 will be offered on September 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and October 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 from 7:00 pm to midnight. 2008 prices:
Haunted Carriage Rides at Fort WildernessIn the past, Fort Wilderness has offered a Haunted Hayride based on the classic Washington Irving story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman each October. For 2008, there will be Haunted Carriage Rides instead, featuring the same story. Each carriage can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults plus up to 3 children (9 and under). Dates and times for 2008 Haunted Carriage Rides (3 carriages for each ride time):
Price is $60 per carriage. You can book up to 90 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529). The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13KThis one-of-a-kind 13K nighttime run through the deserted streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuted in 2007 and will be offered again on October 25, 2008 starting at 10:00 pm. The race ends in the shadows of the Tower Hotel (aka The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror). Following the race, participants attend a private party until 2:00 am at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with exclusive access to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘N Roller Coaster. Participants must be at least 11 years of age to participate. All participants must be able to maintain a 16-minute per mile pace. There is a 2.5 hour time limit for the entire race.The registration cost is $85 before August 25 or $90 on or after August 25, 2008. Each person who registers receives:
For more info, click here. HalloweenIn addition to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Haunted Hayrides, there are special events at Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island for Halloween. Family-oriented events such as trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch and a dance party are usually offered at Downtown Disney from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on October 30 and 31. Trick-or-treat bags are distributed at Disney's Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney. Kids can visit close to a dozen locations that were distributing treats (most or all of the Disney-owned stores and carts participate). A Dance Party is held at the Dock Stage. Pleasure Island offers Halloween-themed entertainment and dancing on Halloween (October 31) as well as the Friday and Saturday nights prior to Halloween (if Halloween doesn't fall on a Friday or Saturday). For 2008, this "Dance the Fright Away" celebration will take place October 30, 31 and November 1 from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Festival of the MastersAward-winning visual artists transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the Festival of the Masters each November. The 2008 Festival of the Masters will be held November 7-9 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and slides of their works to a jury of art experts, who then have the formidable task of reviewing the slides and selecting the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the Festival will be treated to one of the finest displays of art in the nation. Hence, Festival of the Masters has become one of the most sought-after shows among artists. Over 200 honorees from art festivals around the country showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and digital art. Live entertainment and children's activities are also part of the weekend-long event. Festival guests can experience culinary offerings and dance to live music. Other highlights of past Festivals of the Masters included:
Admission and parking are FREE. For more information, call (407) 824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com. ABC Super Soap WeekendThis annual event held at Disney's Hollywood Studios offers soap opera fans an opportunity to see their favorite ABC stars at various events, including autograph sessions, motorcades, interviews, talk shows, game shows and performances. The 2008 Super Soap Weekend will be held November 15-16. Click here for more information. ThanksgivingDisney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade or decorations in the parks. (However, the Christmas decorations are normally in place by Thanksgiving weekend.) There are special meals available at most Disney World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Reservations for holiday meals can be booked up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) November 22-29, 2008. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Thanksgiving Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Christmas DecorationsChristmas decorations at the Walt Disney World Resort usually begin going up around the first of November. The decorations are gradually added at night and are completed by Thanksgiving weekend. The decorations start coming down around January 1st. The Disney resorts are all decorated for the holidays, as are the theme parks. Each theme park will have an enormous decorated Christmas tree and so will the Deluxe resort lobbies. Deluxe Resort Edible Holiday Displays Among the especially amazing decorations are the edible holiday displays whipped up by pastry chefs throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Gingerbread goodies are sold nearby. Most of the displays open on Thanksgiving weekend. Beach Club Resort usually has a fully detailed, life-sized gingerbread carousel in the lobby. The lobby of Yacht Club Resort offers a miniature New England-style train racing through a sugary rock mountain surrounded by a candy-coated model village. The lobby of BoardWalk Resort is home to Santa's Workshop as well as a customized BoardWalk train. A holiday toy shop made of sugar and chocolate, featuring Pinocchio himself, is the sweet spot for Disney's Contemporary Resort guests to purchase treats and toys on the 4th floor of the tower building. The biggest edible production is a gingerbread house at Grand Floridian Resort that is large enough that it doubles as a real bake shop. Featuring gingerbread using a classic Austrian recipe, the bake shop offers freshly baked items such as cookies, ornaments and miniature gingerbread houses. Other homemade items for sale include Stollen Bread, chocolate peppermint bark, lollipops and special Grand Floridian logo boxes filled with truffles. Demonstrations of how to decorate a gingerbread house take place in front of the bake shop six days a week. American Adventure at Epcot Santa's Gingerbread Bake Shop at Liberty Inn at American Adventure enchants guests of all ages. Guests peer inside the life-sized gingerbread house at goodies galore. The giant structure, made entirely of gingerbread, cookies and icing, features more than 800 pounds of sugar and more than 1,000 eggs. Inside the bake shop, Christmas cookies and hot and cold beverages, as well as souvenir gingerbread recipe cards, may be purchased. The bake shop usually opens in late November. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing LightsThis elaborate holiday decoration display incorporating millions of Christmas lights, fake snow and various holiday vignettes was originally created by Jennings Osborne at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. After he was forced to remove the display due to complaints by his neighbors, Disney agreed to use parts of it at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where it has become an annual event. The spectacle has been enhanced to include choreographed “dancing” lights that swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among “Florida snow” flurries. For the 2008-2009 holiday season, this display will be offered November 28-January 4. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Harlem Gospel ChoirThe world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir appeared at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the first time in the 2007 holiday season. Three performances (at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:30 pm) were offered at Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast show location) on Sunset Blvd each night between November 30 and December 25. Performances included holiday favorites such as "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The show was included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas PartyMickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights, usually running from the weekend after Thanksgiving through approximately a week prior to Christmas. Reportedly guests with Very Merry Christmas Party tickets have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins. Admission to the event includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, "snow" on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions will be open. Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows, "snow" experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party endsthrough New Year's Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between December 20-31, there is very little reason to spend the extra money to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party earlier in the month. Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and the last couple of nights it's offered, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. It can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late November or early December, but don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parades and Christmas "atmosphere." It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible. You are allowed to book reservations at either of the two restaurants more than 180 days in advance if you do so at the time you purchase the Christmas Party tickets. (Reservations must be for the same night as your tickets and for 6:00 pm or later.) Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2008 will be offered on November 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30 and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 from 7:00 pm to midnight. 2008 prices:
Epcot Holidays Around the WorldFor Holidays Around the World, Epcot's World Showcase transforms into a splendid display of international holiday traditions and storytelling. For 2007, the special holiday fun took place daily from November 23 through December 30. Holidays Around the World is included with regular Epcot admission. Holiday icons who delight children around the globe -- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana -- make special appearances in their respective countries, while Santa Claus himself pays visits to the American Adventure showcase. Guests see holiday traditions and legends as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs on display as well. At 6:00 pm nightly, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a giant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" -- illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The Epcot evening spectacular of lights, lasers and fireworks, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," completes the celebration with a magical holiday finale. Candlelight ProcessionalThe Candlelight Processional is an annual event at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. It consists of a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. The Processional is an explicitly Christian religious presentation with a "church service" feel to it. In 2008 it is expected to be offered from November 28 through December 30. There are three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. (No 5:00 pm performance on 12/7/08.) Each show runs about 40 minutes. You'll need to line up at LEAST 45 minutes prior to the show if you want to have any hope of getting in (or buy the Dining Package for guaranteed entry). There is no additional charge for the performance over and above your Epcot admission. 2008 Candlelight Processional Narrators (subject to change)
Candlelight Processional Dining Package You can purchase a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With this special package you pay a flat rate for a sit-down meal at an Epcot restaurant and you receive "preferred seating" for the Candlelight Processional at no extra charge. Based on my experience in the 2007 season, getting the package may be the only way you'll get a seat at all, particularly on weekend nights. Expect to wait in a significant line to enter the show, even if you have the package. You must schedule your Candlelight Processional Dining Package BEFORE the performance you will attend. There is a Lunch Package for those attending the 5:00 performance and a Dinner Package for those attending the 6:45 or 8:00 performances. The participating restaurants are priced in three tiers. Admission to Epcot is NOT included in the package price. If you wish, you can use the Dining Plan to pay for your meal. Tier 1 (Lunch $27.99 ages 10+, $12.99 ages 3-9; Dinner $33.99 ages 10+, $14.99 ages 3-9)
Holiday Sleigh RidesEach December Disney offers 25-minute "sleigh" rides through the woods from the Wilderness Lodge. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but made to look like a red sleigh, complete with sleighbells!) The sleighs depart from the Porte Cochere (covered entry) in front of the Lodge every half-hour, with departures between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Exact dates and times have not yet been announced for 2008. The cost in 2008 is $60 per sleigh. Each sleigh can accommodate up to 4 adults, or 2 adults plus up to 3 children (9 and under). You can book up to 90 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Christmas Eve & Christmas DayYou can enjoy the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the special parades, shows and fireworks at Magic Kingdom. There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) December 16, 2008-January 3, 2009. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, be aware that the parks usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Religious services are held on Christmas Day only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service is held at 9:00 am.You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get there, you must do one of the following:
New Year's Eve & New Year's DayTheme Parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios all stay open late on New Year's Eve and offer extra entertainment, usually including live performances, extra parades and fireworks. These festivities are included in regular park admission. Disney's Animal Kingdom closes at the regular time and does not offer New Year's Eve events since they would disturb the animals. Christmas decorations remain up throughout Walt Disney World through New Year, and generally several days past the first of the year. Special theme park events for New Year's Eve:
If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on New Year's Eve (December 31), be aware that the parks usually reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks after that point. (This is true even if you have a ticket, even if you're staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it's full -- Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it's best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Bring any sweaters or jackets you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will be very long by noon. Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil presents special New Year's Eve performances of La Nouba. Guests are treated to a champagne toast, a limited-edition full color souvenir program and a special show finale. Tickets for these New Year's Eve performances are more expensive than usual. 2007 New Year's Eve performance tickets ranged from $95.85 to $148.04 per adult, plus tax. Call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639) to order tickets. Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort includes champagne toast at midnight, snacks and dancing to tunes from the ‘80s through today. You must be 21 years of age or older (with ID) to enter Atlantic Dance Hall on New Year’s Eve. 2007 tickets for this event were $20 and went on sale on December 31 at the Atlantic Dance Hall box office. Doors open at 9:00 pm. Pleasure Island Every December 31, Pleasure Island hosts a New Year's Eve Party with live entertainment. This party requires a special ticket and is not included in regular admission or Pleasure Island Annual Passes. You must be 21 or older (with ID) to attend. The New Year's Eve party is held from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am and includes bands and DJs mixing it up all night long. Music includes Top 40, Latin, Tropical, Hip-Hop, 70s and 80s, and Techno. You'll enjoy a wide variety of performers, plus a special fireworks show and a champagne toast at midnight. The food menu is expected to include such items as skewered shrimp, smoked salmon and seared beef medallions. (Music and menu subject to change without notice.) The clubs are open as usual during this event. Regular 2007 tickets were $99 plus tax per person. Call 407-W-DISNEY (934-7639) to order tickets. Annual and Seasonal Passholders, Epcot After 4 Passholders and Pleasure Island Annual Passholders could purchase tickets for $89 plus tax per person (each pass is good for purchase of discounted ticket for passholder and one guest) by calling (407) 560-PASS (7177). Special Meals There are special meals available at certain restaurants on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) December 16, 2008-January 3, 2009. Other restaurants may charge a premium on New Year's Eve and/or New Year's Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations. Walt Disney World Marathon and Half MarathonIn 2009, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will take place January 8-11. The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Registration for the 2009 Marathon and Half Marathon opens online at disneyworldmarathon.com immediately after the 2008 race. Don't wait too late to register, as the races usually fill up by the previous summer! Mickey's Pirate & Princess PartyGuests embark on a quest for beads and chocolate treasures as they are immersed in a world of pirates and princesses during the “Pirate & Princess Party” at the Magic Kingdom. The party is held after regular park closing, from 7:00 pm - 12:00 midnight. Entry to the party requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Reportedly guests with Pirate & Princess Party tickets have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins. With an adventure map and treasure pouch in hand, families can enjoy a quest for colorful beads, chocolate doubloons and fun throughout the Magic Kingdom theme park. Adventurers can explore Magic Kingdom on a quest for pirate coves and princess courts brimming with specially themed entertainment, participate in character meet-and-greets and experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open throughout the evening. Guests are invited to dress up as a wily pirate or favorite Disney princess. Adding to the magic of the event are two nighttime entertainment spectaculars:
Party highlights:
It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) to make reservations as early as possible. The first run of the Pirate & Princess Party in January-March 2007 was so successful, Disney brought it back for eight select nights in August and September 2007, and for over 25 nights in January-June 2008. In late summer 2007, Disney's Pirate & Princess Party was offered on August 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31, and September 3. It's unknown whether there will be late summer dates for the party in 2008. 2008 dates so far announced are January 21, 26, 29; February 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26; March 1, 6, 11, 14; April 1, 4, 6, 11, 16, 23, 29; May 2, 6, 9, 16, 21, 26, 31; and June 4. 2008 ticket prices:
Chinese New YearEach year the China Pavilion in Epcot has a Chinese New Year celebration. Usually there are Chinese acrobats and special activities for kids. The next Chinese New Year will be on January 26, 2009. Valentine's DayPleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of Valentine's Day each year. In 2008 the Pleasure Island events were February 14, 15 and 16, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am and included live music and street performers. Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the Sweetheart Island celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney's Wide World of SportsThe Atlanta Braves hold their Spring Training season at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. After a period of workouts, the Braves play a series of games against major rivals at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. For 2008, Braves pitchers and catchers reported February 14. Position players arrived February 19, with the first full-squad workouts on February 20. After opening the spring schedule with an exhibition game against the University of Georgia on February 27, the Braves begin their major-league schedule against the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 29. The Braves continue their tradition of hosting the St. Louis Cardinals in back-to-back games, March 9-10, marking the sixth consecutive year the teams have faced off in a two-game spring series. The National League Central's Houston Astros visit Champion Stadium on three occasions, March 2, 8 and 23. Last season's American League Central division winner, the Cleveland Indians, visit on March 12 and March 21. Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex will also play host to the American League's Detroit Tigers on March 7 and 20, and Tampa Bay Rays on March 15. The Braves host three of their division rivals, including the reigning National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies on March 4. The Washington Nationals visit for a pair of dates, March 11 and 26, and the New York Mets conclude the Braves' spring training slate at Champion Stadium with a March 27 appearance. 2008 Spring Training tickets went on sale January 5. Individual game tickets for the Braves home spring training games are sold through Ticketmaster at (407) 839-3900 or http://www.ticketmaster.com and at Disney's Wide World of Sports box office. Information on the Braves spring training season is available by calling (407) 939-GAME (4263) and online at disneysports.com Mardi GrasPleasure Island "Parti Gras" puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition each year. Jester heads and giant beads feature in this colorful celebration, where the Krewe of Confusion and the World's Dinkiest Mardi Gras Parade are among the tongue-in-cheek acts seizing the night. There are a wide range of special entertainment offerings such as Mardi Gras stilt walkers, jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional and a beaded person (a person literally covered with beads). Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the Parti Gras celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Port Orleans Resort A little-known event on Mardi Gras each year is the mini-parade through Disney's Port Orleans Resort. Several departments of the resort build floats on golf carts. The floats are judged and then parade through the grounds. During the parade they throw New Orleans-style trinkets (beads, candy, doubloons) to the guests who line up to watch. If you will be at Port Orleans on Mardi Gras, be sure to ask at the front desk when this event will take place. ESPN The WeekendEach year ESPN and the Walt Disney World Resort offers fans the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and athletes during "ESPN The Weekend," a special event at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The 2008 ESPN The Weekend was February 29 through March 2. Typically ESPN The Weekend features on-site ESPN telecasts including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Cold Pizza and BassCenter; star motorcades and Q&A sessions featuring athletes and ESPN personalities; appearances by Disney characters; sports shows in the ESPN Theater with ESPN commentators and athletes; a visit from ESPN The Truck; live ESPN Radio broadcasts; ESPN Deportes SportsCenter telecasts and interactive sports activities. For more information, click here. |
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