Adorable Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Souvenirs

Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The beautiful decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun holiday festivities underway, you know what that means; Christmas themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the adorable Disney World Christmas souvenirs that you can purchase during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Most of the items are limited edition and are only available while supplies last. There are t-shirts for children and adults, a special MagicBand, a holiday ornament, several pins, and a customizable case for select mobile phones.

The best places to find these items during the party are:

  • Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. (shirts, MagicBand, ornament)
  • Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland (pins)
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square (shirts)
  • Mickey’s Star Traders in Tomorrowland (shirts)
  • Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Tomorrowland (mobile phone case)

More About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Each party begins with “A Frozen Holiday Wish” featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in which Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of icicles. During the evening guests can enjoy meeting Santa in Town Square, holiday concerts at the Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel with Phineas and Ferb, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, holiday character greetings, Mickey’s “Once Upon A Christmastime Parade”, and the incredibly magical snow on Main Street, U.S.A. And to wrap up your perfect evening, be sure to see “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” light up the sky above Cinderella Castle with spectacular fireworks and cherished music.

Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

  • November 19; December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • November 20, 29; December 4, 11, 17 – $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • December 18 – $82 (plus tax) for adults; $77 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held select nights at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Coming To Disney Springs In 2016

Disney Springs has made amazing progress in its transformation. We’ve already seen parking garages, pedestrian walkways, restaurants, and shops open, but now Disney has announced even more to come in 2016. Here are all of the latest details courtesy of Disney:


Disney Springs continues to expand and transform as new dining and shopping locations debut at the re-imagined Walt Disney World Resort destination in 2016.

The lively shopping, dining and entertainment district treats guests by day and night to a one-of-a-kind Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restaurants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike.

The new offerings are part of an expansion that – when Disney Springs is fully completed in 2016 — will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues from the current 70 to nearly 150.

New dining locations opening in 2016:

  • STK OrlandoSTK: The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc., known for developing upscale, high-energy restaurants, is opening STK, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge and emphasizing a social and fun environment. The vibrant, lively scene will offer guests fine dining, signature cocktails, and a DJ playing eclectic music nightly. It will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, occupying 14,000 square feet in a two-story building, including a main level and the only rooftop-dining venue in Disney Springs. STK is expected to open in The Landing at Disney Springs in 2016.
  • EdisonThe Edison: A lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination that will feature exceptional classic American food, artisanal craft cocktails and unparalleled live entertainment. Similar to its sister location on the west coast, The Edison at Disney Springs will be dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance. Themed to a 1920s-period electric company, the space will recall an exuberant era of invention and imagination. With 35-foot ceilings and a range of themed areas to explore, The Edison will feature nightly entertainment including contortionists, palm readers, DJs and more.
  • Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, will serve up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM will satisfy 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 will feature 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 will be “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

Planet Hollywood ObservatoryRe-imagined dining coming in 2016:

  • Planet Hollywood: Transforming its flagship venue, Planet Hollywood will become a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. As part of the makeover, the venue will add a new outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers and feature live entertainment.

New retail locations opening in 2016:

  • Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, Zara is one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. The retailer 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.
  • PandoraPANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand will offer 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.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you excited about the new additions? Please leave a comment!

Downtown Disney Officially Becomes Disney Springs

Disney Springs

Well, it’s finally official. Last week we said good-bye to Downtown Disney and hello to the new Disney Springs. Here are all of the latest details courtesy of Disney:


Disney SpringsWalt Disney World Resort officially changed the name of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of the shopping, dining and entertainment district at the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs treats guests to a one-of-a-kind Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will include four interconnected neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center. When Disney Springs is fully completed in 2016, the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues will increase from the current 75 to more than 150.

With more exciting venues to come, new dining and shopping open now at Disney Springs includes:

  • Morimoto Asia 3Morimoto Asia Morimoto Asia is a one-of-a-kind dining experience from Chef Masaharu Morimoto. This Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian restaurant provides flavors from across Asia with unique exhibition kitchens showcasing the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving and dim sum. Designed by STUDIO V Architecture and located at The Landing, Morimoto Asia’s extraordinary, 36-foot tall, two-story layout includes open terraces, grand halls, private rooms, a cocktail lounge, waterside seating and more.
  • Jock Lindsay's 6Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – An aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at The Landing at Disney Springs is tucked between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, this new venue features unique cocktails and small plates. 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.
  • BoathouseThe BOATHOUSE An incredible culinary experience is showcased in the expansive restaurant with nautical-themed rooms, two private dining rooms for special events, and three distinctive bars. Guests will enjoy a gourmet menu with steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar, served until 2 a.m. daily. This upscale, waterfront-dining experience immerses guests both on land and on water. There’s live music, plus guided tours aboard a 40-foot Italian Water Taxi and Amiphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs.
  • Paradiso 37Paradiso 37: Paradiso 37 recently expanded its outdoor dining to take advantage of its beautiful waterfront setting. As part of its renovation, the restaurant is doubling its seating, adding more terrace dining and building a new outdoor performance stage.
  • Disney Springs - ApexApex by Sunglass Hut- A first-of-its-kind sunglass store that was built with the athlete in mind. This retail location showcases the industry’s best selection of sport performance and lifestyle eyewear including Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Under Armour. In order for guests to choose a lens to best suit their needs, Apex has developed environmental simulators so guests can test out how a specific lens will perform under a variety of light conditions.
  • Disney Springs - Art of ShavingThe Art of Shaving– A boutique retail offering that sells high-end shaving supplies and related grooming products for the modern man. Founded by a husband and wife in a Manhattan apartment, The Art of Shaving has grown to a worldwide organization that is still nurtured by the founders’ talents and passion. Guests can receive expert shaving advice on products and techniques, or make an appointment for a luxurious grooming experience at the Barber Spa.
  • Disney Springs - Chapel HatsChapel Hats – A fashion forward shop that specializes in an assortment of hats for guests of all ages.  The location carries stylish hats including fedoras, cowboy hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more. Every Chapel Hats location is themed to a different time period and is built by using old pieces of shops, factories, schools, pubs and churches from a bygone era.
  • Dockside Margaritas 2Dockside Margaritas – Dockside Margaritas treats guests to thirst-quenching margaritas made with fresh, all-natural products. Using authentic Florida ingredients whenever possible, the location (at the Marketplace) features unique theming reminiscent of a 1960s Florida roadside fruit stand. In addition to margaritas, the menu includes select frozen beverages, wine, bottled and draft beer. There is ample seating for guests and a built-in entertainment area.
  • Disney Springs - Eric Mckenna's Bakery NYCErin McKenna Bakery NYC – A unique bakery with savory offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels with vegan butter, and other delicious items daily. Some of their fan-favorite cupcakes from their flagship bakery in New York and sister bakery in Los Angeles include vanilla cupcakes with zesty lemon frosting, red velvet cupcakes with creamy vanilla frosting and brownie cupcakes with rich chocolate frosting.
  • Erwin PearlErwin Pearl – Specializing in fashion jewelry and accessories, Erwin Pearl features hand-painted French enamels, 22k gold plating, sterling silver and freshwater pearls. The New York City-based company manufactures more than 80 percent of their products in U.S. factories, including earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, pins, watches and scarves. Erwin Pearl began his career as a diamond cutter and is recognized as one of the country’s foremost fine jewelry designers.
  • HavaianasHavaianas – A Brazilian-based shoe store that offers fashionable flip flops made with the highest quality rubber — with hundreds of styles to choose from. This store features a large assortment of colorful Havaianas for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots. There’s also the “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas,” option, where guests can customize this casual footwear.
  • Disney Springs - SanukSanuk– Innovative, fun and comfortable footwear with more than 175 designs is available at this 1,000-square-foot venue. Taking its name from the Thai word for “fun,” Sanuk strives to make more innovative products that are as much about funk as they are about function. Favorite styles including Yoga Mat Sandal Collection and its patented “Not-A-Shoe” Sidewalk Surfers will be showcased.
  • Joffrey's TeaTea 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.
  • Vivoli il GelatoVivoli Gelateria – A family-run gelato shop, Vivoli Gelateria serves up gelato that is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients using the exact same recipes from the original shop in Italy. (The storefront at Disney Springs is the second for Vivoli, the first outside of Italy.) The artisans use local and seasonal products, with cocoa powder, hazelnut and pistachio imported from Italy. In addition to their signature gelato, Vivioli Gelateria also serves traditional Italian panini, biscotti, espresso and tarts.
  • Sound LionSound Lion – A new retail concept that offers the latest technology in headphones, docking stations, wireless music players and other products. Before purchasing a product, guests can hang out at their Listening Barand find which product works best for them.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you visited the new Disney Springs? Please leave a comment!

Adorable Disney World Halloween Souvenirs Now Available

It’s officially Halloween time in Walt Disney World! The holiday decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun fall festivities underway, you know what that means; Halloween themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the adorable Disney World Halloween souvenirs that you can purchase.

I still love stuffed animals and this year they have this cute Figaro plush in a Mickey Mouse Jack O’Lantern.Halloween Merchandise 1

Another easy-to-get-home souvenir is an antenna topper. Check out Minnie Mouse dressed as a witch.Halloween Merchandise 10

Perfect for cold fall nights in my home state of Colorado; I love this festive loungewear!Halloween Merchandise 9

Want to dress up for Halloween when you take the kids treat-or-treating, but don’t want to go to the trouble of a costume? How about a cute Disney Halloween shirt?Halloween Merchandise 3

I love this light-up pumpkin necklace, another super easy way to add a little Halloween spirit to your outfit on the big night!Halloween Merchandise 2

Halloween is all about the candy, right? Check out these cute mini-Halloween candy bags filled with candy corn, candy pumpkins, or chocolate. Yum!Halloween Merchandise 4

I love decorating for Halloween, and I would love to add one of these fun Halloween lanterns to my collection!Halloween Merchandise 5

Pins are another super easy and fun souvenir to collect. How cute are these?Halloween Merchandise 8

Just what I need…more mouse ears!Halloween Merchandise 6

Perfect for that mug collector in your life – Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Mug!Halloween Merchandise 7

This Poison Apple Stein comes filled with a beverage and is available at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.Halloween Merchandise 11

This cute mug will also be available throughout the parks.Halloween Merchandise 13

One of my all-time favorite Disney World snacks? Popcorn in a souvenir bucket, and it looks like I’ll have a couple to choose from this Halloween season!

I can’t wait to do some souvenir shopping on my upcoming trip!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Disney World during the Halloween season?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

2015 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Exclusive Merchandise

With the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning next month on September 25, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the new merchandise that will be offered during the event. According to Disney, these items will be for sale exclusively at Food & Wine and will not be available online. There will be merchandise locations set up in World Showcase carrying a few items, but for the best selection head to the Festival Center located in the former Wonders of Life Pavilion between Universe of Energy and Mission: SPACE.

This year, there are three different themes for the merchandise. The first is the World Showcase Logo theme that includes icons from each of the 11 country pavilions. Next up, there is a Disney Character theme that will feature Figment and Mickey Mouse dressed as chefs. The final theme is the returning favorite – Brews Around The World.

So let’s take a peek at some of merchandise…

Food and Wine Merchandise

The drinkware and limited edition pins should be big hits as usual!

Food and Wine MerchandiseOf course, it wouldn’t be a Disney event without some new Dooney & Bourke handbags, and this year there are three of them! Prices are always subject to change, but are currently $268 for the Shopper Tote, $248 for the Zip Zip Satchel, and $198 for the Letter Carrier.

Food and Wine MerchandiseLove what you’re tasting at Food & Wine? Be sure to purchase the recipe cards with collector pins so you can make the dishes at home to continue your magic!

Food and Wine MerchandiseLots of great shirts will be on sale to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The Taste and Brews shirts will be offered in sizes small to 2-XL and the Character Chef shirts will be offered in sizes small to 4-XL.

Food and Wine MerchandiseYep, that’s a bottle opener on the Brews Around the World baseball cap!

Food and Wine Merchandise

How cute is this? A Figment plush dressed as a chef is definitely on my shopping list this year! What’s on your list?

Need more information?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ©DisneyIf you will be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year, be sure to check out these articles for more information:

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
What’s on your shopping list? Please leave a comment!