Disney News: Happy Birthday Mickey, New Epcot Nighttime Show, Disneyland Hotels Dining Enhancements & More

Here’s our latest compilation of news stories from the various Disney Destinations you can visit on vacation.

Limited-Time Celebrations Planned for the 90th Anniversary of Mickey Mouse

It was all started by a mouse. Now 90 years later, Disney is in party-prep mode for the birthday of the one and only Mickey Mouse. With a milestone as big as 90 years, one party simply will not do! That’s why Mickey’s birthday celebration will span across the globe with a series of events at all Disney Parks sites around the world, including the previously announced World’s Biggest Mouse Party – a limited-time, global celebration of Mickey and Minnie – as well as ‘Mickey: The True Original Exhibition’ in New York City.

Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida will celebrate Mickey’s birthday from Nov. 16-18, 2018 with special merchandise and food & beverage items as well as the chance for guests to celebrate at Magic Kingdom® Park during the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party, sing “Happy Birthday” along with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A., and join in a special birthday dance party at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Then in 2019, Walt Disney World will continue celebrating when World’s Biggest Mouse Party comes to the resort.

Disneyland® Resort in California will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse on Nov. 18, 2018, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. The party continues when World’s Biggest Mouse Party begins at Disneyland Resort in 2019.

Disney Cruise Line will join the celebration when World’s Biggest Mouse Party takes to the seas in 2019.

Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort will host similar celebrations. And, “Mickey: The True Original Exhibition,” an interactive art exhibit, will open in New York from Nov. 8, 2018 – Feb. 10, 2019. This immersive, pop-up art exhibition is inspired by Mickey’s status as a ‘true original’ and his global impact on popular culture and art. From his beginning in black and white in Steamboat Willie to the technicolor world of more than 100 cartoon shorts, exhibition guests will step into an unforgettable journey of Mickey moments reimagined.

“As Walt said, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse’,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “From ‘The True Original Exhibition’ to a year-long celebration in our parks around the world, we are honoring the deep connection that families and fans have made with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for nearly a century.”

Mickey’s 90th is definitely a “mouse”-do this fall!

All-New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular to Replace ‘IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth’ as Part of the Transformation of Epcot

After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot® Guests with the emotional story of humanity told through music, fireworks, light torches and more, we wanted to let you know that “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be ending in the second half of next year. The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is already busy creating new thrills to debut immediately following the conclusion of “IllumiNations,” continuing the tradition of nightly entertainment on the World Showcase Lagoon.

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which is currently planned to run to the end of summer 2019, has entertained millions of guests gathered around World Showcase Lagoon sharing the light and a story since it debuted in October 1999 as part of the Walt Disney World® Millennium Celebration. During the coming year, Disney will be celebrating this classic show, so you still have plenty of time to experience it again and again, as excitement builds for what’s next.

Disney has big plans for their multi-year transformation of Epcot, with new experiences that will “Wow!” you while keeping true to the original vision of the park. And the all-new nighttime fireworks spectacular coming to Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon will be part of the park’s exciting evolution.

The new show joins several previously announced experiences coming to Epcot, including the highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster attraction, a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction in World Showcase, a new table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE and much more!

More details coming – stay tuned!

Exciting Dining Enhancements Coming Soon to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort

Two hotel fast-casual food spots are getting spruced up at the Disneyland® Resort, also adding gorgeous new bar seating for pool goers and hotel Guests.

Tangaroa Terrace, the South Seas hideaway at the Disneyland Hotel, is closing and will re-open in early 2019 as Tangaroa Terrace Bar & Grill. The restaurant’s ‘50s Tiki-inspired design, however, will remain the perfect tropical complement to the mid-century modern architecture of the Disneyland Hotel. Guests can expect a new outdoor bar and refreshed patio, serving island cocktails and Asian-inspired fare. New details will also be added to the interior space, including light fixtures made of colorful fishing floats and netting, a tropical mural and bamboo accents. Guests will also be delighted to find a dedicated service window for various coffee selections in the morning and the popular Dole Whip throughout the day, perfect while enjoying time at the pools. The grill will offer options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an open-air marketplace for quick bites. While Tangaroa Terrace is under refurbishment, menu offerings will be available at The Coffee House, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and Steakhouse 55.

White Water Snacks at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also close and re-open later this year with a fresh new look. In the meantime, Hearthstone Lounge will offer grab-and-go food and beverage options.

Guests of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will also be able to lounge in even more luxury, poolside, with a new pool bar opening in spring 2019. As you can see in the artwork above, the new pool bar area will keep with the hotel’s signature Arts and Crafts design with natural boulder stonework and clinker bricks. A custom tile mural at the back bar will also set the craftsman tone in the new space. In addition, a trellis structure will provide shade and a perfect respite to enjoy sipping beverages and snacking on appetizers. A variety of new lounge and table seating will also be available.

Stay tuned for more details!

Adventures by Disney Reveals New Short Escape Vacations for 2019

Adventures by Disney® has revealed the latest additions to its expanding line-up of Short Escape vacations: three brand-new adventures in Boston, London and Vancouver, Canada, launching next year!

Short Escapes are two- to four-night adventures in iconic destinations that can be booked as stand-alone getaways or as add-ons to other vacation plans. Just like all of their trips, these itineraries feature must-see attractions, hands-on activities and opportunities to discover hidden gems, and each one is filled with all the authentic experiences, VIP service, special access and signature Disney storytelling that set Adventures by Disney vacations apart.

Bookings for new Short Escapes are now open. Read on to discover all that’s in store on these exciting itineraries.

Best of Boston – Past and Present
On the new four-day, three-night Short Escape itinerary in Boston, travelers will discover treasured American history and spirited contemporary culture.

Guests will be immersed in the city’s legendary stories during privately guided tours along the Freedom Trail and the Old North Church—where many famous moments of the American Revolution took place—and a special after-hours visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum that concludes with a private dinner steeped in the city’s storied roots. Other family-friendly excursions and activities include rowing along the Charles River, biking the city on a private adventure, exploring the grounds of Harvard Yard, and indulging in a delicious buffet of seafood, chicken, corn-on-the-cob and more at a private New England clambake on Thompson Island.

The new Boston Short Escape is available on select dates in May through October 2019.

Bucket List Getaway in London
Guests will revel in the royal treatment with VIP experiences in one of the world’s most iconic cities during the new three-day, two-night Short Escape in London, which can be booked as a stand-alone vacation or as a pre-cruise add-on to Disney Cruise Line sailings out of nearby Dover, England.

The itinerary is filled with exceptional experiences, including a once-in-a-lifetime, private viewing of the royal Crown Jewels led by the Tower of London’s Jewel House Warden; a private, high-speed thrill ride in a rib boat along the River Thames; and a privately guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the revered site of royal coronations and weddings. Families will also witness the time-honored tradition of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

The new London Short Escape is available on select dates in July, August and September 2019.

City Highlights and Outdoor Recreation in Vancouver
Active adventures and culinary delights await on the new three-day, two-night Short Escape itinerary in Vancouver, which can be booked as a stand-alone vacation or as the perfect complement to a Disney Cruise Line Alaska voyage.

Guests will discover unparalleled views of the city’s lush natural surroundings during exciting outdoor activities like ziplining and gondola rides at Grouse Mountain, a privately guided tour at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and a morning bike ride through Stanley Park. They’ll get a taste of the city’s thriving culinary scene during a “foodie” walking tour of Granville Island’s famous Public Market, and there’s even a special scavenger hunt expedition just for Junior Adventurers while adults unwind with beer and wine flights at a local tasting room.

The trip also features early morning access to Grouse Mountain’s resident grizzly bear habitat, where guests can observe bears up-close, learn from a local bear expert and enjoy a private breakfast with amazing views. Other highlights include photo-worthy encounters with lively lumberjacks, birds of prey and towering totem poles.

The new Vancouver Short Escape is available on select dates in May through September 2019.

19 Magical New and Limited-Time Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World in 2019

Now, more than ever, it’s time to start planning your 2019 Walt Disney World® vacation. Because there will be more to see, do, taste and experience here next year than ever before. Whatever your passion for Disney, there’s a big dose of pixie dust waiting for you at all four parks.

Love Mickey and Minnie Mouse? Want to get wild with “The Lion King”? Feel like playing with your Pixar pals? Or maybe you’d like to see a concert every night? All this and more will be waiting for you next year. Here’s a glance at 19 new and limited-time experiences to look forward to in 2019 at Walt Disney World!

Starting Jan. 18…

1. In honor of the true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will bring new music, dancing and all sorts of other fun to Magic Kingdom® Park.

2. The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom will invite you to dance with Mickey, Minnie and their pals in front of Cinderella Castle. Shake it along with live singers belting out new arrangements of classic “Mickey Mouse Club” songs.

3. The Dapper Dans and other entertainers on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom will sing songs in honor of Mickey.

4. Look for special Mickey- and Minnie-themed merchandise and food at Magic Kingdom to make this party complete.

5. And this is a Surprise Celebration, after all, so you can expect more Limited-Time Magic entertainment and other experiences to pop up periodically around Magic Kingdom.

6. The Incredibles are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®! Pixar Avenue will transform into a Metroville city block, and Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone are throwing a party to celebrate.

7. Meet the one and only Edna Mode – the greatest super suit designer! She will set up a special location on Pixar Avenue showcasing some of her best creations (no capes!).

8. Show your #IncredibleSide along Pixar Avenue by striking a heroic pose in front of three-dimensional scenes straight out of Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles

9. Also on Pixar Avenue, look for clues to the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible, the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.

10. Elsewhere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, where you’ll have a chance to meet Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters Inc.

11. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® along with Timon and Rafiki in the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island. Let your inner animal roam free on the dance floor in this raucous party!

12. Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, have fun posing in front of special three-dimensional photo opportunities re-creating scenes from the animated classic.

13. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back! This year’s special event takes place Jan. 18 – Feb. 25, allowing you to indulge in world-class culinary and visual arts.

14. The Disney on Broadway concert series is expanding to seven days a week during the Festival of the Arts, so you’ll have even more opportunities to experience some Disney musical magic live on stage.

And later in the year…

15. Welcome spring’s arrival with the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, returning March 6 – June 3 with its wide selection of delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries blooming around the park.

16. Even better, this year’s Garden Rocks concert series expands, as well, to seven days a week during the Flower & Garden Festival, which means a total of 270 concerts over the course of the 90-day event.

17. Ka-Chow! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy rolls into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2019. In this new show experience, you’ll come face to face with Lightning and learn from his years of experience on the track.

18. Outside the Racing Academy, you’ll get to meet Lightning McQueen’s speedy pal, Cruz Ramirez.

And finally…

19. If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World recently, then there’s even more for you to explore and experience. Become an honorary toy at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, travel to the bioluminescent planet of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or wish a fond farewell to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – the nighttime spectacular at Epcot – before its conclusion scheduled for the end of summer 2019.

Now, more than ever, you’ll want to be there for it all, so don’t wait to book you vacation!