Disney News Updates: Holiday Celebrations, Frozen on Broadway & More!

Here’s a look at some of the latest news to come from the various Disney Destinations we proudly offer.

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World Resort!

The holiday season returns to the Walt Disney World® Resort on Nov. 9, 2017 with must-see new magic and beloved traditions. You will discover countless ways to make memories together as you get wrapped up in everything from delightful décor and enchanting events to festive entertainment, sensational shopping and more.

This year, Holidays Around the World is transforming into the Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays. Starting earlier than ever on Nov. 19, 2017 the festival includes fifteen Holiday Marketplaces, a new scavenger hunt, fresh and returning entertainment celebrating the holidays of cultures across the globe and more. The beloved Candlelight Processional returns again this year Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2017 with new narrators like Matthew Bomer, CCH Pounder and Pat Sajak. Candlelight Dining packages are available again this year for guests who wish to enjoy a delicious meal and priority seating at one of the shows.

You can get wrapped up in a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® Nov. 9 – Dec. 31, 2017 with the return of the nighttime favorite Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! and new holiday happenings around the park. You can also catch the new Sunset Seasons Greetings where you can see Mickey, Minnie, Buzz, Woody, Olaf and more as they celebrate the season sharing stories, songs and holiday jubilee. Plus, there will be larger-than-life Christmas ornaments floating all along Echo Lake.

Don’t forget, you can revel in tasty treats, a holiday parade and fireworks, plus Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show at Magic Kingdom® Park during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

What’s New at Aulani: Updated Kids Premium Experience at Aunty’s Beach House

“Surf’s Up With Chip and Dale,” a premium experience at Aunty’s Beach House, is being reimagined as “Surf’s Up – A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party!”

Previously a 1 ½-hour experience, the new 3-hour program features interactive activities that showcase the wonders of Hawai’i.

During this experience, kids will be divided into two groups. They will have turns alternating between the original surfing-themed program with Chip and Dale, and a fishing-themed program with Goofy. Plus, they’ll join together for a fun-filled dance party.

The cost per child is $59. Please note meals are not included with this experience. Advance reservations are recommended.

Experience Frozen on Broadway with Adventures by Disney in 2018

In 2018 Guests on the Adventures by Disney® New York City Long Weekend trip will be able to experience the excitement of Disney’s newest Broadway musical, Frozen.

You are invited to discover that love is a force of nature as the beloved story of Anna and Elsacomes to life on the Great White Way next year. This all new production, created for the Broadway stage by a Tony and Oscar Award-winning team, features state-of-the-art stagecraft and more than twice as many songs as the original film.

Not only will you be able to see this magical new musical but also take part in a Broadway Theater Workshop where you’ll go into a rehearsal studio and learn the music and dance steps from one of your favorite songs in the show.

Your adventure through the Big Apple doesn’t stop there. You will unravel the history of New York by visiting the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, and go behind-the-scenes of “Good Morning America,” for an exclusive look at one of ABC’s longest-running live shows!

Help #SaveGroot at Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark During Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort

This fall, you can help Rocket #SaveGroot at Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark — part of the expansion of Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort to Disney California Adventure® park!

Your adventure picks up moments after the events of the popular Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction. The Guardians have successfully escaped The Collector’s Fortress, but they have accidentally left Groot behind! Rocket enlists you to distract the creatures that have been released so he can find and rescue his little buddy. While The Collector’s ever-resourceful assistant, Apheta, may try to assure Guests that it is all just a momentary setback, they are advised to proceed with caution!

Once the sun sets each evening during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. Music continues to be at the heart of the experience, and an all-new song, “Monsters After Dark,” was created especially for this attraction by Tyler Bates, composer of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.

You can help #SaveGroot at Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, only during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, now through Oct. 31, 2017.

First Look at the Full Roster of Marvel Super Heroes to Assemble on Disney Cruise Line

Are you ready for the largest gathering of Marvel Super Heroes at sea? Marvel Day at Sea features exclusive character interactions where you will have a chance to meet astounding Super Heroes and a very extraordinary Villain.

Today, we’re thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event. They’re assembling with nearly a dozen others from the Marvel Universe, including Black Panther and Loki who will make their very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience. Since Black Panther and Loki will be joining us all the way from the remote Kingdom of Wakanda and faraway realm of Asgard, the opportunity to see these two icons is extra special.

The event also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Rounding out the roster of Marvel Super Heroes that will be onboard are Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Doctor Strange.

Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person …

• If you are booked on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, you’ll be able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing.
• In addition, you’ll have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and Loki.
• Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel’s Avengers Academy.
• During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of everyone’s favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale.

Some of your own heroic encounters may include sharing a salute with Captain America, joining forces with Black Widow, taking a selfie with Star-Lord, getting up close with Groot, coming face-to-face with Thor or catching Loki lurking around the ship. With all of these Super Heroes and a formidable Villain aboard, your adventure is sure to be epic!

The event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018.

For more details on any of these vacation options, please visit our Disney Destinations page.