Seasonal Spectacles

Swirling Snow and Tree-Lightings Add Dazzle During 2007 Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney elves weave yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland throughout Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season beginning in November and continuing through December. There are special events, sparkling sights and stirring sounds that treat the senses to the spirit of the season in all four Disney parks.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Returns

For a quarter century Walt Disney World guests have been entertained and mesmerized by this time-honored tradition. This season, Magic Kingdom has added an extra night to the celebrated custom -- meaning there will be 19 evenings of holiday fun: November 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7pm (after regular park hours), guests with tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy the holiday splendor with lively stage shows and favorite holiday traditions.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the many festive moods of the holiday season, showcasing a series of holiday themes including a Friends and Family Christmastime Party, a sleigh ride through a Winter Wonderland, a romantic Fairy Tale Christmastime, a scrumptious display of Christmastime sweets, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus in a grand finale. And for longtime Disney Christmas parade fans: Soldiers, Snowflakes and dancing deer are all still in the parade. The parade features original music as well as both classic and current holiday tunes.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party comes with a winter-weather forecast guests can count on -- a 100 percent chance of snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A every night. And just in case the sight causes a chill: complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are served. Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to guests.

Admission to the party requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $47.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $40.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 (but with advance purchase, guests can save $7 per ticket for select dates). Note: Many party nights are sold out in advance. To purchase tickets, guests can call (407) W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com.

Ticket Information:
Advance Sale: $40.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up and $33.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. No Advance Sale savings available for November 16, 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 16, 20 & 21. Available for purchase at Disney Reservation Center, Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Resorts, Downtown Disney Guest Relations, www.disneyworld.com, Disney Information Center (Ocala), Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels, Hotel Plaza Blvd. Hotels.

Passholder & Disney Vacation Club Advance Sales: $37.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up and $30.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. NOTE: This offer valid for Disney Vacation Club Members & Premium Annual, Annual, Seasonal and Epcot After 4pm Passholders. Offer available only for the following SELECTED nights: November 15, 27, December 11 & 18. Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests. DVC Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 5 guests. Passholders may purchase discounted tickets via the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-560-PASS and via disneyworld.com/passholder. Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase tickets via Disney Vacation Club Member Services by calling 1-800-9800. All discounted tickets will be set up for Will-Call. A valid Annual Pass or Disney Vacation Club Member ID must be shown at the time of ticket pick-up.

Day of Event Tickets, if available and November 16, 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 16, 20 & 21 Advance Purchase: $47.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up and $40.95 plus tax for ages 3-9.

Other Information:
Guests with tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party already inside the Magic Kingdom can return to the main entrance (and other possible locations in the Park) beginning at 4pm to have their tickets swiped and receive a wristband for proof of admission for the event and can remain in that park. Guests without tickets will exit the park at 7pm.

Bling in the Season! Cinderella Castle is a Wintry Spectacle Crowning Walt Disney World Resort for the Holidays

A dazzling new lighting spectacle is transforming the iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time.

Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens as "Cinderella's Holiday Wish" delights Magic Kingdom guests nightly. The spectacle debuted November 12.

"We are thrilled to be adding this brilliant new castle spectacle to the holiday festivities at Walt Disney World this season and for seasons to come," said Francois Leroux, vice president of Walt Disney World Entertainment. "This glistening holiday enchantment creates perfect fairytale magic for this festive time of year."

"For a park aglow in holiday magic, this becomes the new and eye-filling superstar," added Disney Entertainment show producer Rob Hamberg who supervised the weeks-long rigging of the turrets and towers for the light show. "Nothing will rival 'Cinderella's Holiday Wish' for sheer visual spectacle."

And what a spectacle.

As if suddenly dusted in a million ice crystals, Cinderella Castle shines like the galaxies, adding to the wintertime wonderment of the holidays at Florida's Vacation Kingdom.

Fun Facts

To transform Cinderella's fairytale castle into a magical ice palace it took...

Five weeks and 65 elves
Two cranes
15 miles of cables, cut and dyed castle colors, supporting...
32,000 square feet of fishing nets, supporting...
200,000 energy-efficient LEDs, interspersed with...
500 strobes
One Fairy Godmother working some very special magic...
"Show Before the Glow" Stars Disney Characters

To mirthful holiday music, Mickey, Minnie and the gang appear onstage, admiring the festive lights illuminating Main Street, U.S.A. But what to do about the darkened, unadorned castle?

As they bandy about ideas, the Fairy Godmother suddenly appears. It is Cinderella who should rightfully decide, she insists.

Enter the princess herself, with her Prince Charming. All agree with Cinderella that her castle should sparkle the way her beloved glass slippers do -- like shimmering ice and snow.

With a wave of Fairy Godmother's wand -- and guests joining in to make the wish come true -- Cinderella Castle magically morphs into a glorious wintry confection, twinkling in the sky. "The castle suddenly shines like a glistening blanket of ice," explained Disney show writer/director Alan Bruun. "Guests won't believe their eyes at the spectacle as Cinderella's holiday wish comes true."

Show times are nightly at 5:45pm through January 6, 2008. Cinderella Castle aglow also plays a supporting role in other Magic Kingdom entertainment such as live stage shows, the nighttime fireworks extravaganza "Holiday Wishes," and the after-hours Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a specially-ticketed event featuring the new "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade."

Like a global necklace, dazzling castle lighting spectacles also adorn Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Paris, now marking its 15th anniversary, started the castle lighting tradition in 2005 when Leroux conceived the concept.

Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World

With one extra event date this year, World Showcase transforms into a splendor of international holiday traditions and storytelling from November 23 through December 30. Holiday icons who delight children around the globe -- such as France's P�re No�l and Italy's La Befana -- make special appearances in their respective countries, while Santa Claus himself pays visits to The American Adventure. Guests can see holiday traditions and legends as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs also showcased.

At nightfall, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a gala tree-lighting ceremony -- Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat -- 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 laser, lights and fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," complete with a holiday finale, caps the celebration. Guests with a long holiday shopping list will discover one-of-a-kind gifts with international flair throughout World Showcase boutiques. The special holiday fun takes place daily, November 23 - December 30, and is included with regular Epcot admission.

Candlelight Processional

Sparkling Candlelight Processional at Epcot

A highlight of Holidays Around the World -- Candlelight Processional at Epcot -- treats guests to a grand musical performance featuring a mass choir and a full orchestra accompanied by a celebrity narrator who retells the beloved story of Christmas. As a new highlight, actor Edward James Olmos (just one of the celebrity narrators scheduled to appear) will speak portions of the beloved story in Spanish. Presentations of Candlelight Processional are daily, November 23 - December 30, and are included with regular Epcot admission (seating is limited). Candlelight Processional dinner packages, available for an additional charge, include preferred seating for a performance of Candlelight Processional, as well as dinner at an Epcot restaurant. To make reservations for these packages, guests can call (407) WDW-DINE

November 23-25: David Robinson

November 26-28: John O'Hurley

November 29-December 1: Neil Patrick Harris

December 2-4: Dennis Franz

December 5-7: Monique Coleman

December 8-10: Steven Curtis Chapman

December 11-13: Chita Rivera

December 14-16: Isabella Rossellini

December 17-19: Kirk Cameron

December 20-22: Edward James Olmos

December 23-25: Gary Sinise

December 26-28: Rita Moreno

December 29-30: Marlee Matlin

Candlelight Dinner Package Information
(Prices do not include tax & gratuity)

Tier 1
Biergarten - Germany Pavilion
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land Pavilion
Lunch Pricing (Seating 1) - Adults (10+): $27.99, Child (3-9): $12.99
Dinner Pricing (Seating 2 & 3) - Adults (10+): $32.99, Child (3-9): $14.99

Tier 2
Nine Dragons - China Pavilion
Rose & Crown - United Kingdom Pavilion
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco Pavilion
San Angel Inn - Mexico Pavilion
Lunch Pricing (Seating 1) - Adults (10+): $36.99, Child (3-9): $12.99
Dinner Pricing (Seating 2 & 3) - Adults (10+): $42.99, Child (3-9): $14.99

Tier 3
Chefs de France - France Pavilion
Coral Reef - The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
Tutto Italia - Italy Pavilion
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada Pavilion
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan Pavilion
Lunch Pricing (Seating 1) - Adults (10+): $41.99, Child (3-9): $12.99
Dinner Pricing (6:45 & 8:15pm Shows) - Adults (10+): $47.99, Child (3-9): $14.99

Spectacle of Dancing Lights Brightens Disney-MGM Studios

The Streets of America backlot again will sparkle brightly as millions of twinkling lights dancing to music illuminate the area November 12, 2007 through January 6, 2008, during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by SYLVANIA. Amid "Florida snow" flurries, the building facades, trees and streets of the Disney-MGM Studios backlot dazzle with three-dimensional and motion-based displays -- some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter.

After the Arkansas home exhibit grew larger and brighter over the years, the million-light display was transported to Disney-MGM Studios in 1995, where the spectacle continues to grow larger and brighter each year. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today include dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs.

From the heart of Harlem, the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir brings some soulful spirit to Disney-MGM Studios this holiday season with performances November 30 - December 25. The inspirational choir presents the finest singers and musicians from Harlem�s Black Churches with songs of joy and peace. The 12-member group will perform at Theater of the Stars at Disney-MGM Studios at 5, 6 and 7:30pm nightly.

Holiday cheer continues with the daily "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" decked with favorite Disney characters in their holiday best, parading down Hollywood Boulevard.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Decked for the Holidays

Celebrate safari style as Disney's Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade," from November 12, 2007 - January 6, 2008. At Camp Minnie-Mickey, guests can meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday best or enjoy carolers performing seasonal classics at Santa Goofy's Holiday Village. The village is decorated with Christmas trees and features live entertainers and holiday photo opportunities.

Downtown Disney

Festival of the Seasons Transforms Downtown Disney into Holiday Shopper's Delight

Holiday gift buying is easier than ever at Downtown Disney with a menu of offerings throughout this retail playground. Downtown Disney features shopping adventures for every age and budget, including Once Upon a Toy, filled with exclusive playthings from Disney and Hasbro, and World of Disney, the world's largest character emporium that is also home to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for little princess makeovers. Other favorites include Virgin Megastore, LEGO Imagination Center and Disney's Days of Christmas holiday shop. Holiday-themed d�cor, colorful light displays, plus photo opportunities with old St. Nick himself offer yuletide cheer.

New Year's Eve

Ring in the New Year, Disney Style

Walt Disney World guests can count down to midnight and ring in 2008 with a dazzling display of entertainment, parades, fireworks and extended hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on New Year's Eve.

Throughout the final evening of the year, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island will be transformed into one big, high-energy street party for partygoers 21 and older: six-hours of fun overflowing with live music, dancing, a sampling of gourmet delights, a champagne toast, plus spectacular fireworks.

The party will take place from 8pm - 2am and will include a countdown to 2008 and a special fireworks celebration only Disney can deliver. Each guest on New Year's Eve will welcome 2008 with festive hats and noisemakers, plus a delectable dinner buffet and a midnight champagne toast -- all part of the admission price.

Admission to this special-ticket New Year's Eve party is $99 plus tax and includes entry to all seven themed nightclubs at Pleasure Island. Annual passholders can purchase up to two tickets at $89 each plus tax. For more information or to order advance tickets, call (407) W-DISNEY.

Other Disney celebrations and New Year's Eve theme park hours:

Disney-MGM Studios is aglow with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by SYLVANIA. Millions of sparkling lights adorn the Streets of America backlot through January 6, 2008. Special New Year's Eve park hours: 9am - 1am. Special entertainment includes a trio of "Fantasmic!" fireworks shows -- at 6:30, 8:30 and 10pm -- plus a special showering of fireworks at midnight.
Donning hats and noisemakers, revelers can party on until 1am at Magic Kingdom with double the parades and fireworks. Guests can count down to the magical hour with the "SpectroMagic" parade at 7 and 10:30pm, plus "Holiday Wishes" fireworks at 8:30pm and "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at 11:50pm. The park is open from 8am - 1am.
A special version of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" laser-light spectacular will be presented at 7:30 and 11:40pm at Epcot. Latin crossover band Papo's Groove and the energetic DJ Indio Davila will entertain partiers at America Gardens Theatre, while the big band swing music of the Tom Butler Orchestra will fill World Showplace. Rockers can boogie down at Scooter's dance party at the Fountain Stage, plus techno rock at the China pavilion and classic rock 'n' roll at the Italy pavilion in World Showcase. The park is open from 8am - 1am.
"Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Expedition" parade, an outrageous street party starring favorite Disney friends, winds through Disney's Animal Kingdom at 3:45pm. Park hours 8am - 8pm.
At Downtown Disney, Cirque du Soleil fans can celebrate the New Year La Nouba style with two presentations of the theatrical production, at 6 and 9pm. A champagne toast celebration, souvenir program, glow sticks and gift are included in the special ticket price. Tickets are from $67 to $139, plus tax, depending on category.
Disney Cruise Line brings in the new year with ship-wide festivities on New Year's Eve and a New Year's Day tailgate party.