Tag Archives: Disney Experience

A New Era of Evening Magic: Inside Magic Kingdom’s Starlight Parade

For the first time in nearly a decade, Magic Kingdom’s evening comes alive with a luminous celebration of dreams, magic, and Disney storytelling. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away officially debuted on July 20, 2025, ushering in a new era of nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World.

The nighttime parade has always been my favorite. I absolutely loved the Main Street Electrical Parade and even have a snippet of the music as a ringtone on my phone. On our first family trip I remember my youngest son who was 4 asking to go see when his father and brother had had enough and we hopped on the boat from Wilderness Lodge and went over just to see the parade, just the 2 of us.

Throwback to the Main Street Electrical Parade in 2010

🌌 A Parade That Feels Like a Dream

As twilight fades and stars peek out over Main Street, U.S.A., the streets light up with Starlight — a glowing procession inspired by Disney’s beloved parades of the past, like the Main Street Electrical Parade, but reimagined with modern lighting, original music, and stunning design. 

What You’ll See Along the Route

Disney Starlight showcases a captivating mix of classic and contemporary Disney and Pixar stories, each float a storybook brought to life with vibrant illumination and artistic animation:

Enchanting Storyscapes — From the spirited Madrigal family of Encanto to the oceanic voyage with Moana, each float transforms treasured characters and scenes into luminous works of art. 

Fairytale Royalty & Heroes — Princes, princesses, and heroes like Elsa, Belle and the Beast, Rapunzel and Flynn, and Aladdin with Jasmine make grand, glowing appearances. 

Classic Disney Favorites — Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Snow White, Dopey, and more bring joyful energy to the parade’s finale in sparkling new attire. 

Every float feels like a constellation of light, turning the parade route into a magical tapestry where old and new Disney tales shimmer beneath the night sky. 

🎶 Music & Atmosphere

Starlight doesn’t just dazzle the eyes — it captures the heart with an original musical theme that blends new compositions with nods to classic Disney melodies.

🕯️ Parade Flow

Route: The parade begins on Main Street, U.S.A. and travels toward Frontierland, a reversal from traditional daytime parades designed to improve crowd flow at night.  Showtimes: Initially presented twice nightly — typically around 9PM and 11PM — schedules vary throughout the year so be sure to check the My Disney Experience app before your visit. 

This parade marks a return of nighttime magic to Magic Kingdom, filling the evening hours with storytelling. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia or experiencing Disney storytelling in a whole new way, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is designed to leave you with stars in your eyes — and a reminder that at Disney, dreams really do shine the brightest after dark.

 A New Crown Jewel at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Island Tower

I had the pleasure of visiting the Polynesian Resort recently and took a stroll over to the new tower that was recently completed. The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is a striking 10-story tower. It is beautiful.

We got a peak into the rooms and had a lovely lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can see Cinderella Castle in the distance from your perch on the breezy terrace.

Inspired by the spirit of the South Pacific, the Island Tower embodies the vibrant cultures and natural beauty of Polynesia. From the moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by art installations and design details created in collaboration with Polynesian artists — these are wildlife-inspired ceiling panels, sculptures made from recycled fishing nets, and chandeliers of living moss — that reflect themes of nature, and conservation.

The spaces blend Disney storytelling with cultural richness. Nods to Moana and design elements that echo the ocean, wind, earth, and fire.

🏡 Accommodations Meant for Adventure

The Island Tower introduces 268 new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodations — from cozy duo studios perfect for couples to spacious one- and two-bedroom villas that sleep families up to nine. For the first time in this resort’s history, two-bedroom penthouse villas are available, offering ultra-luxurious stays with expansive living space and elevated views over the lagoon or golf courses.

🌴 New Spaces to Play, Dine & Unwind

One of the highlights of Island Tower is its Cove Pool, a zero-entry tropical oasis ideal for cooling off, while Moana’s Voyage splash area brings playful water fun to younger guests with life-size figures and themed water features.

Food and drink get their own island vibes at Wailulu Bar & Grill, a casual yet refined dining spot with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. Inspired by Polynesian ingredients and relaxation by the water, its menu and ambiance extend the immersive theme from morning coffee to dinner and tropical cocktails. I cannot say enough about this dining venue. Even in extreme heat, the fans and lovely breeze made it very comfortable to eat outside, it wasn’t even a thought.

In short, the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort isn’t just additional rooms — it’s a vibrant new destination within a destination.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY AND MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MAGIC KINGDOM PARK

This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will transform Magic Kingdom Park for a sweet 34 nights.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates

August 17, 24, 28, 31

September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31

Returning treats include the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show in front of Cinderella Castle featuring the mischievous Sanderson sisters from the hit Disney film “Hocus Pocus,” Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and “Happy HalloWishes,” the fall spectacular led by the infamous Disney villains!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $75 in advance or $85 at the gate, if available.

When the seasons change, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will transform the Magic Kingdom Park into a winter wonderland for the most magical 22 days of the year!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates

November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30

December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Returning favorites for the holidays include Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade; “Holiday Wishes,” fireworks spectacular; “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” featuring Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom—transforming Cinderella Castle into a sparkling, icy centerpiece for the celebration; and the jubilant show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”*

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $95 in advance or $105 at the gate, if available.

PIXAR PLAY ZONE AT DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT

Starting April 13 and available nightly, kids, ages 4-12, will be transported to a world full of excitement and adventure with their favorite characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!” While the kids play, parents will be able to enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

In Bonnie’s Play Room, children will find a variety of toys. Around the corner, the Living Room will be the center for most of the action, starting with Space Ranger Training where a Space Ranger will teach kids what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to identify enemies, like Zurg, and finally, the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!” Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!

Next to the Living Room will be the Radiator Springs Racetrack where youngsters will be able to build their own racecars and take turns sending them down a soapbox derby racetrack for Piston Cup Derby Races.

Finally, they will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible – complete with a party host.

The evening will also include arcade games, dinner and dessert!

The nightly getaway for kids, ages 4-12, will open doors for check-in at 5 p.m. The experience will begin at the welcome desk, a stop at the “Monsters, Inc.” handwashing station, then Boo’s Closet Door, where youngsters will be able to store any belongings before taking a couple of steps into an action-packed evening of Pixar fun. Programming will run from 6-10:30 p.m. for a fee of $65 per child (plus tax). Children must be fully toilet-trained. Parents will be required to be physically present to check children in and out of the experience.

Disney Springs Transformation

Welcome to Disney Springs™, an immersive waterfront destination overflowing with sights, sounds and flavors inspired by Florida’s natural charm, all in a beautiful outdoor environment!

Showcasing a one-of-a-kind mix of brand retail and distinct Disney shopping, along with a stunning assortment of incomparable dining offerings, it’s an unforgettable plaworldofdisney_listce the entire family will enjoy—only made possible by the imagination of Disney. So get ready for the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history as Disney Springs transforms the area and doubles its shopping, dining and entertainment options.

New Retail Locations Now Open!:

The Art of Shaving offers premium grooming essentials for the modern man. The location also has a team of shaving specialists who offer advice to Guests on proper grooming techniques. Appointments for a haircut or shave are suggested.

Apex by Sunglass Hut is designed with the athlete, sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. This shop utilizes innovative technology, such as the Apex Smart Mirror, to help guests find the best choice in sport sunglasses.

Chapel Hats specializes in fashionable hats and headwear for Guests of all ages. The location carries just about any style of hat including fedoras, sun hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more.

Sanuk offers creatively inspired footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga-mats.

Havaianas provides the options to “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas.” This store features a large assortment of Havaianas sandals for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots.

Sound Lion has the latest technology in headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other digital sound and music products can be found in this shop. They also provide education in digital music applications that improve the listening lifestyle.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC will offer the same unsurpassed core vegan, gluten-free menu as its flagship bakery in New York City, and its sister bakery in Los Angeles. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter!), and other savory items daily.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s: Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

The Ganachery: Located in The Landing, The Ganachery specializes in custom-blended chocolates with the finest beans. Hand-crafted ganachery_detail_01onstage by a chocolatier, the shop features fresh batches daily, including dark (65 percent custom blend), hazelnut, chipotle and a custom blend flavored with the world’s finest spices. Beautiful custom packaging makes elegant take-home gifts. And there may even be some chocolate bars inspired by Disney characters!

New Dining Experiences Now Open!

The BOATHOUSE® – This upscale, waterfront dining experience will immerse Guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain’s piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. The BOATHOUSE will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – Tucked in between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, a new Disney owned and operated Food & Beverage offering is now open — an aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.

With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue features unique cocktails — such as the “Hovito Mojito” with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup — and small plates such as “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

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Ardent fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot. In the main room, Guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Morimoto Asia – Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known from his appearances on Iron Chef America, has opened a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef’s first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination includes unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

      Also Coming to Disney Springs

Retail Locations
Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. Zara is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.

Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.

Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there.

UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.

PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.

UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.

L’Occitane en Provence: L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.

Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.

Dining Locations
STK Orlando – The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. will open STK Orlando in The Landing area of Disney Springs in early 2016. STK wdw_listOrlando will feature a unique ambience that blends the elements of a modern steakhouse with a sleek lounge. At 14,000 square feet, the Disney Springs location will be one of the largest STK locations in the world.

Edison: Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature exceptionally good classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret and music.

Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings — all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine – Celebrity Chef Art Smith is bringing a taste of real Florida to a new restaurant opening in summer 2016. Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine will showcase the cuisine of Chef Smith, who was born and reared in the town of Jasper, Fla., on the Florida-Georgia border. With farm-to-fork cuisine that showcases the bounty of Florida, and design inspired by turn-of-the century Florida architecture of the late 1800s, Homecoming will feature traditional Southern favorites with sophisticated, chef-inspired creations. Inside, the “rustic-chic” restaurant will feature a glass-walled show kitchen and the Southern Shinebar that celebrates an era where characters might have created some homegrown spirits on their homesteads just beyond the springs.

Frontera Fresco: Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, will open Frontera Fresco in summer 2016. Frontera Fresco will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared with natural, locally sourced ingredients. The table-service restaurant also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails, craft beers and wine. Located in Town Center, the nearly 6,000-square-foot venue will seat 200 Guests.

Save Up to 25% on Rooms

Save Up to 25% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels This Spring!

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Save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14-June 11, 2016 when you book by March 31, 2016. Other great rates for stays most nights Feb. 22-April 13, 2016.

Plus,  receive 1 more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way® Ticket.

Booking Window: Dec. 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016
Travel Window: Feb. 22 – Jun. 11, 2016

Full list of offer exclusions : campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms.

Save up to 30% this summer!

SAVE UP TO 30% ON ROOMS AT SELECT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS THIS SUMMER!
 
Booking Window: March 23 – June 12, 2015
Travel Window: June 16 – Aug. 27, 2015

Offer Details:

Resort Category Savings % (Travel from 6/16-8/9) Savings % (Travel from 8/10-8/27)
Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts Save up to 30% Save up to 30%
Select Moderate Resorts 20% 25%
Select Value Resorts 15% 20%
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and is not valid at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort-The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resort hotels.
Availability is dwindling fast on this one, contact me soon!

Disney Visa Summer Package Offer

Disney Visa cardholders can get a package with a room discount of up to 30% at select Disdumbo_webney resorts for stays 6/16/15 – 8/27/15. Value and Moderate resorts have a slightly higher discount during the last portion of August (8/10/15-8/27/15). The package includes a discounted room plus tickets and/or dining plan. There is no minimum length of stay with this offer.

Up to 30% off most Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resort rooms, except:

Up to 20% off Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna View & Club Level), Beach Club Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas
Up to 10% off Deluxe Suites

Up to 20% off most Moderate resort rooms (25% for 8/10/15 – 8/27/15), except:

Up to 10% off Coronado Suites

Up to 15% off most Value resort rooms (20% for 8/10/15 – 8/27/15)

Offer excludes Villas at Grand Floridian, Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Bungalows & Villas, Port Orleans French Quarter, Little Mermaid (i.e. Standard) rooms at Art of Animation Resort, All Star Movies, campsites and 3-bedroom villas. As with all Disney promotional discounts, some resorts, room types and date combinations will not be available. It’s important to be flexible if you want to book a discounted package. Book by 6/12/15.

This offer is expected to become available to the general public on 3/23/15.

Coolest Summer Ever

Walt Disney World® Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom®, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”

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Magic Kingdom Park will be open 24 hours from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22, 2015 to Saturday, May 23, 2015*. You’re invited to come in costume** to show your Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.

During the “Coolest Summer Ever,” you can keep cool all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks. Highlights include:

  • Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® June 17-Sept. 7, 2015 as it brings together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and the citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Boulevard.
  • Cool Thrill Rides –  Find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.  Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Star Wars Weekends – Your Clients will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14, 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney® shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
  • Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout World Showcase at Epcot, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
  • A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.

*Hours of operation: 6 a.m. on 5/22/15 to 6 a.m. on 5/23/15, subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

**Disney characters will be in the parks throughout the day and all night, inviting guests to dress up for the occasion, too. Guests may join the party dressed in costume. Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.