Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

Walt Disney World Affordable and Attainable Housing Anticipated to Open in 2026

This time last year, we first told you about our plans at Walt Disney World to contribute nearly 80 acres of our land to create a new affordable and attainable housing development for our community. This type of land contribution is unique and is one of many ways we are making a lasting impact in Central Florida.

We’ve been making more and more progress on this initiative every day, and now, we’re thrilled to share that groundbreaking on this development is targeted for next year, with the first units anticipated to be completed in 2026. We are also expanding our vision to now include approximately 1,400 total units – over 100 higher than we had initially announced. We hope to make a positive impact wherever we can in our community, so to be able to offer more units means even more Florida families will get access to attainable housing, in addition to creating new Florida jobs as part of the construction and operation.

As we previously announced, The Michaels Organization, a nationally recognized developer, will build and operate the property, which would be just a few miles away from the Magic Kingdom, near schools and shopping, including Flamingo Crossings Town Center, which continues to open more great retail and dining spots. The development, which is planned to be privately financed, will be limited to applicants within a certain income range.

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Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle and our team met earlier this week with leaders from The Michaels Organization here in Florida, and we discussed how we hope this development inspires others in the community and across the country to support this important issue in innovative ways.

While we continue to work closely with The Michaels Organization to make progress on this initiative, Disney has been on the front line, supporting important causes in our community. We recently joined Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, an organization that our cast members passionately support year-round through our Disney VoluntEARS program, for the grand opening of its newly renovated youth center, which was built with the help of a $100,000 Disney grant. And late last year, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort announced significant donations to local community food banks to support families in need, totaling more than $300,000.

Please know we will continue to share more details, including more information on how to apply for those who qualify, when we can. In the meantime, we will keep working diligently behind the scenes to bring this important initiative to life! Visit DisneyFlorida.com to learn more.
 
Walt Disney World Annual Passes can now be upgraded online

Disney has updated its online ticketing system to allow existing Passholders to upgrade their Walt Disney World Annual Pass online.

In 'My Disney Experience, ' a new 'Upgrade Pass' button is available in the ticketing section, with the option to upgrade a pass.



My Disney Experience upgrade Annual Pass

According to Disney, "Existing Walt Disney World Annual Passholders have the option to upgrade their Annual Pass into any available pass type outside of their renewal window on our website or via the My Disney Experience app. The difference in price must be paid in full at the time of the upgrade and the new pass will have the same expiration date as the original pass."
 
UPDATE: Disney World has issued the following statement "Pardon the Inconvenience. Annual Pass sales will resume as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding."

BlogMickey Twitter
 

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

It’s Halfway to Halloween here at Walt Disney World Resort and, in celebration of the wicked occasion, I’m excited to share that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park late this summer and will run through this fall. Get ready for a spooktacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off August 11.

With spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited-capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. The event dates are:

  • August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
  • September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
  • October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
  • November: 1
In honor of #HalfwayToHalloween, check out some of the most ghoulish moments to look forward to when this guest-favorite event returns.

Watch a Ghostly Promenade with “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A., alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers and other favorite characters. You may even spot some ghoulish new faces this year.

Get the Party Startled With “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”

Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, you won’t want to miss this!

Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets

Guests getting candy during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park.

See a Spellbinding Spectacle With the Sanderson Sisters

The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic “Hocus Pocus” films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.

Also during the party, you may have the opportunity to experience some of your favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details!

You won’t want to miss the hair-raising happenings at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, so be sure to get your tickets. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more exciting details about all the scream-worthy surprises in store as Disney Parks celebrate #HalfwayToHalloween.
 
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Disneyland Resort Joins the Halfway to Halloween Fun

With Halfway to Halloween underway, Disneyland Resort is joining in on the haunted fun! While we’ll share the full details about the upcoming Halloween season later this year, we didn’t want to miss out on unveiling some spine-tingling announcements of what’s to come. Check it out!

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For a grim, grinning good time, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will return this upcoming Halloween season! On select nights this fall, you can don your favorite costume* for a frightfully fun time at this separately-ticketed, limited-capacity, after-hours event at Disney California Adventure park. It’s never too early to start planning that costume! More details on this year’s Oogie Boogie Bash will be announced later this summer.

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One of my favorite parts of the Halloween season at the Disneyland Resort is seeing the new outfits on Mickey Mouse and his friends. This year, they’ll don luminescent sheer fabrics that will give a ghostly glow to their festive new ensembles at Disneyland park. Be on the lookout for lots of cobwebs and details like bat bowties and spider-shaped bells! I can’t wait to join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends in their bewitching attire this Halloween season!

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But for those of you who simply can’t wait for the Halloween season – never fear! You can celebrate Halfway to Halloween at Disneyland Resort, now through April 23.

You may have peeped earlier this week in the Halfway to Halloween Foodie Guide some wickedly delicious treats that you can enjoy now at the Disneyland Resort. To activate your tastebuds, check them out here:

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a black dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with a black dark chocolate face
All of these treats are available through April 23 at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Marceline’s Confectionery. Is your mouth watering yet?

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For some devilishly delicious treats at the Downtown Disney District, check out:

  • Halloween Churro: Churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, topped with peanut butter candy pieces. Available at California Churro through April 23.
  • Halloween Jack-O-lantern Macaron: Orange Jack-O-Lantern macaron with fruit-flavored crisped rice cereal buttercream filling. Available at Kayla’s Cake through April 23.
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And while you’re hanging out in the Downtown Disney District this week and feeling that Halfway to Halloween spirit, mosey on into Lovepop to find a “Nightmare Before Christmas” or “Hocus Pocus” bouquet. These creepy-cute cards are perfect for your loved ones who wish it were Halloween all year round!

The countdown is on. Happy Halfway to Halloween, y’all!

*Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dressfor restrictions.
 
From the Disney Parks Blog:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

It’s Halfway to Halloween here at Walt Disney World Resort and, in celebration of the wicked occasion, I’m excited to share that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park late this summer and will run through this fall. Get ready for a spooktacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off August 11.

With spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited-capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. The event dates are:

  • August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
  • September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29
  • October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
  • November: 1
In honor of #HalfwayToHalloween, check out some of the most ghoulish moments to look forward to when this guest-favorite event returns.

Watch a Ghostly Promenade with “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A., alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers and other favorite characters. You may even spot some ghoulish new faces this year.

Get the Party Startled With “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”

Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, you won’t want to miss this!

Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets

Guests getting candy during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park.

See a Spellbinding Spectacle With the Sanderson Sisters

The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic “Hocus Pocus” films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.

Also during the party, you may have the opportunity to experience some of your favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details!

You won’t want to miss the hair-raising happenings at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, so be sure to get your tickets. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more exciting details about all the scream-worthy surprises in store as Disney Parks celebrate #HalfwayToHalloween.

Starting earlier and earlier every year. Might as well start on a once a week halloween party, xmas party, and villains party....year round
 
No TRICKS just TREATS! A Merchandise Shriek Peek for #HalfwaytoHalloween is here!

Greetings happy haunts! It’s time to scream and make a scene because it’s officially #HalfwaytoHalloween! I’m so excited to share with you a shriek peek into some eerie-sistible products coming soon to celebrate this haunting season!

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

First up, we have this bootiful Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Pumpkin Adult T-Shirt and Mickey Mouse Happy Halloween Adult T-Shirt. If you find yourself in a ghostly retreat with hot and cold running chills, snuggle up with the Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Spirit Jersey.

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  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
This season, we have you covered head to toe! Look how cute those Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Pumpkin Ear Headbands are! Similar to the iconic cast member bat headbands, you too can have a creature on your head in the form of the glow in the dark Minnie Mouse bat ear headband! We know how scary the dark can be, so continue to glow with the glow in the dark adult baseball hat and glow in the dark JIBBITZ on your Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Adult Crocs.

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  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
Wizards and witches, wherever you dwell, we have some accessories for you as well! Let’s begin with the Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Glow in the Dark Loungefly Mini Backpack. It’ll match your glowing crocs and glowing headwear! Continue to light the way with the new Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween MagicBand+ and light up pumpkin.

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Oh my, you gave me a fright, these Halloween plushies are such a delight! Look at sweet Mickey Mouse’s top hat and Minnie Mouse’s leggings! The Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Plush and Halloween Minnie Mouse are the perfect friends to sit and read a ghost story with.

Boo to you and you! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is back and better than ever this year. Get ready to trick or treat around Magic Kingdom!

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

When you hear the knell of a requiem bell, weird glows gleam where spirits dwell. Complete with hidden Mickeys in a spider web, glow in the all-new Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Spirit Jersey.

  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Caution! When riding your broom, make sure to remove your matching baseball hat!

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  • 2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise
To keep your apple cider warm, we have a Tervis tumbler and mug, both frightful new additions to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party!

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

I can’t let you float away without showing you some of the goodies from our three favorite, witchy, sisters! Behold the new Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular Spirit Jersey and Sanderson Sisters Plush Set!

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Let’s have a fang-tastic time in our The Nightmare Before Christmas products! Now materializing, The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Adult Tee and The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Adult Woven Shirt.

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Look alive! The Nightmare Before Christmas Adult Spirit Jersey is coming with stripes along the front and back and a little bit of Jack.

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits, wherever they’re at because this The Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington Sling Bag is where it is at! I’m seriously looking at that green strap; it’s perfect for over the shoulder or around the back.

2023 Disney Halloween Merchandise

Don’t be reckless, light the way with a Jack Skellington Glow Necklace!
 
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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins are Becoming DVC Properties
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The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resortare becoming the next Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World Resort . The current cabins at the resort will be torn down and rebuilt as refreshed hideaways. This project between Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club is part of the overall refreshment of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and is projected to open in 2024. There will be no impact on the campground sites at the resort, but the cabins will close in phases as the project begins.
More than 350 new cabins will replace the existing cabins nestled across the 750 acres of scenic woodlands. The cabins will be built with an eye toward the environment. That means utilizing the footprint of the existing cabins instead of developing more land and taking advantage of more energy-efficient features. Each proposed, stand-alone cabin offers spacious accommodations, sleeping up to six adults, and features a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio. Expect them to feel very similar in layout, but refreshed. A select number of cabins are also expected to be dog-friendly.
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













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