Disney World Updated Park Pass Reservations. Here's a Helpful Tip!
Here’s a tip for finding Disney World park reservations
You may notice that May and June Park Pass reservations for Walt Disney World just opened up slightly. This is due to a new policy Disney has implemented to help make theme park availability accessible to more people.
Has Disney increased park capacity? Not yet, though I think that’s coming soon.
Disney is now sweeping the system of cancelled package reservations.
If you had made a Walt Disney World vacation package and then later cancelled it, your theme park reservations remained in the system unless you manually went in and removed them.
Disney’s reservation system wasn’t yet smart enough to automatically cancel the park reservations along with the package cancellation.
Defunct park reservations were clogging up the system and making the parks appear to be sold out when they actually had availability.
Starting today, Disney will sweep the Park Pass system of all theme park reservations that are attached to cancelled package reservations.
Of course, if you hold tickets without a hotel reservation or have an annual pass, your park reservation will not be cancelled. The sweep only looks for park reservations that are attached to cancelled packages.
If you modify your package dates, Disney will give you 48 hours to change your Park Pass reservations to your new dates. After 24 hours, your park passes will automatically go back into inventory starting at midnight.
Disney World Park Reservation Tip
So we know that midnight is when Disney performs the sweep. If you need a park reservation and can’t get one, check early in the morning to see if any availability has been placed back into inventory. This would be your best chance of finding what you need.
There’s a lot to know about traveling to Walt Disney World these days. This is a great time to book with someone who can help you navigate all the changes and updates.
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Recent Updates
Leave A Legacy Returning to Epcot
How to find your tile at the new Leave A Legacy wall at Epcot
Leave A Legacy is returning to EPCOT! With the transformation of the EPCOT main entrance area, the original Legacy sculpture has been removed, but Leave A Legacy lives on in a beautiful new setting just outside the park – in a bright new color, too!
My wife and I have a tile commemorating our 1-year wedding anniversary, so I’m very excited to see this return.
To search for a tile at the new location, you can use your smart device to scan the QR code at the Leave a Legacy display. This opens up the tile finder search feature, which can provide the coordinates for a tile’s location. You can also visit the EPCOT guest Relations team for assistance.
Do you have a Leave A Legacy tile? What does it commemorate? I’ve love to know!
How Park Hopping Will Work in 2021
How to Park Hop in 2021
Disney recently shared that Park Hopping will return to Walt Disney World. Here’s how Park Hopping will work in early 2021.
Park Hopping will be available starting on January 1, 2021
Guests can Park Hop starting at 2 pm daily. Disney may adjust this to an earlier time once the test phase is over.
Once you’re inside the first park, you will be able to make a second park choice using the My Disney Experience app.
Park-to-park transportation will be operating. No word on the Epcot monorail, specifically, but buses will be running for sure.
You will not be able to experience Star Wars Rise of the Resistance if Disney’s Hollywood Studios is your second park for the day.
Recent Updates
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Epcot This Holiday Season!
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Epcot This Holiday Season
Walt Disney World announced that the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will take place Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 2020. Here are the Top 5 reasons to come to Epcot this holiday season. There’s even a chance to see some Disney characters in their holiday finest.
5
At this year’s festival, enjoy a global celebration of seasonal cuisine at the Holiday Kitchens, located throughout World Showcase at Epcot, including three kitchens inside World ShowPlace Events Pavilion, located near the Canada pavilion. Indulge in festival favorites like the slow-roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen or the beef bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen.
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As you sip, savor and sample your way through the Holiday Kitchens, you may spot some of your favorite characters – dressed in their holiday best – traveling through World Showcase to spread holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade,” and Mickey Mouse and his pals making merry on the “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour.” And we can’t forget about Santa Claus! When Santa visits EPCOT during this festive time of year, he’ll take a grand horse-drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out happy holiday wishes to all.
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Be sure to visit America Gardens Theatre across from The American Adventure pavilion to enjoy the sounds of the season from Voices of Liberty, who will share favorite carols through their incredible harmonies. Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance.
Over at the Canada pavilion, JAMMitors will grace the Mill Stage with their playful percussion. And, enjoy the shopping, sights AND sounds inside World ShowPlace as fan-favorite JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season will bring you on an uplifting journey through R&B, gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music.
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To share holiday traditions from around the world, everyone’s favorite snowman from Frozen invites kids of all ages on the new “Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition,” a festive adventure around Epcot’s World Showcase to round up holiday traditions Olaf misplaces. You can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway, then look for hidden Olafs throughout the World Showcase pavilions. Once you find them all, you’ll receive a gift worth melting for (while supplies last).
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The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this year, with a complimentary cookie as a reward for completing the confectionery collection. Epcot’s cookie creations will include treats from 5 different locations throughout the park. You can also pick up a cookie jar to collect all of your cookies in, available for purchase at the Holiday Markets throughout World Showcase, while supplies last.
The holiday season across the rest of Walt Disney World Resort begins Nov. 6, 2020, with seasonal celebrations at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs, and Disney Resort hotels.
Several room offers are available for November and December, check them out on the Walt Disney World Offers Page
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More Updates
How You Can Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World
Holiday Celebrations at Walt Disney World 2020
Disney will indeed be going all out for the 2020 holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort. Even though we won’t have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Castle Dream Lights or Candlelight Processional (because they draw big crowds) there will be plenty of holiday magic to experience during this holiday season like snow at Disney Springs, Character experiences, and special Christmas decorations, food, and merchandise.
The festive Walt Disney World holiday decor will be up beginning on November 6, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
Here are just some of the events you’ll see at Walt Disney World, more events are going to be announced soon.
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green, and gold ornamentation.
You’ll see Disney characters dressed for Christmas on festive floats throughout the park.
Gingerbread Men, elves, and reindeer and the infamous Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through the Magic Kingdom bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Epcot
Characters dressed in Christmas attire will make appearances around World Showcase on parade floats.
World ShowPlace will host JOYFUL!, a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas, and holiday music.
The Voices of Liberty will be performing at the American Gardens Theatre for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season.
The Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like the American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.
Epcot will be adorned in classic holiday decorations.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Holiday-themed merchandise
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Holiday-themed motorcades will make their way through the park with Disney characters dressed in their holiday best.
Hollywood Studios will be decorated for Christmas.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Festive flotillas with Disney characters will meander through the park.
Santa Claus will make special pop-up appearances at select times and locations inside the park.
Limited time seasonal food & beverage offerings.
Holiday-themed merchandise.
Disney Springs
There will be a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining, and entertainment destination.
In the evening, the areas within Town Center, West Side, and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall
Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar will once again have holiday décor and a limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.
Disney World Hotels
Hotel lobbies will feature iconic Christmas trees and other festive decorations.
The gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year.
I have several Agency Exclusive Offers available for Walt Disney World ready to go right now. View them all here.
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More Updates
List of Walt Disney World Attractions That Will Open in July
We now know the full list of Walt Disney World attractions that will be opening when the parks reopen in July. I was happy to see that all the headliners made the list like Space Mountain, Test Track, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
I didn’t include the list of retailers or live performances but assume that most of them will be available.
Magic Kingdom
When Magic Kingdom park reopens on July 11, the following attractions will be available:
"it's a small world”
Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Country Bear Jamboree
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Barnstormer
The Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tom Sawyer Island
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park reopens on July 11, the following attractions will be available.
Affection Section
Avatar Flight of Passage
DINOSAUR
Discovery Island Trails
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Na'vi River Journey
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
The Oasis Exhibits
TriceraTop Spin
Wilderness Explorers
Wildlife Express
Epcot
When EPCOT reopens on July 15, the following attractions will be available:
Awesome Planet
Canada Far and Wide
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Friendship Lagoon Boats
Frozen Ever After
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Impressions de France
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Kidcot (modified)
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE
Reflections of China
Soarin' Around the World
Spaceship Earth (the refurbishment has been postponed!)
Test Track
The American Adventure
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15, the following attractions will be available:
Alien Swirling Saucers
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Toy Story Mania!
Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)
Walt Disney Presents
>> View Current Offers for Walt Disney World available now!
Please check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are changing by the hour in some cases.
Disney World Update on Characters in the Parks
Back in 1980 something, I would go to Walt Disney World with my family often. I remember being in a competition with my sisters to spot Disney characters in the parks. Back then, characters weren’t scheduled, you had to discover them. And Mickey Mouse was the one everyone wanted to see. It was like discovering plutonium if you turned a corner and saw Mickey.
Today, Disney announced how they are going to bring Mickey and pals back to the parks during the initial reopening. I say “initial reopening” because this may change in the weeks following the reopening. Time will tell. But here’s the latest:
According to Disney, if you are hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Disney characters will appear in new and different ways. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!
For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland guests might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as they traverse the Castillo del Morro on their way to Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
View Current Walt Disney World Offers, available to book right now!
Please check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most current information as things are changing by the hour in some cases.
Epcot Food & Wine Festival Opens on July 15!
One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, Disney announced a modified festival experience, it will also be its longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”
This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park.
And, you’ll be able to see Disney’s newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return.
And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins.
>> View current offers for Walt Disney World. Summer and fall dates available now!
Walt Disney World Launches Mobile Dine Check-in
According to the Walt Disney World website, Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at select restaurants across property. This feature will allow you to bypass the check-in podium by pressing a button on your Android or iPhone.
When your restaurant check-in time arrives, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. You can also check-in by scanning a QR code at the restaurant with your phone. When your table is ready, you’ll receive instructions as to where to go.
Mobile Dine Check-in will be offered at the following restaurants:
Magic Kingdom
Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper Canteen
Epcot
Akershush Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Rose and Crown,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Disney Boardwalk
Flying Fish
Resort Hotels
Boatwrights Dining Hall, Olivia’ Cafe, Sanaa, Boma, Jiko, Toledo, ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe, California Cafe, Chef Mickey’s, Artist Point, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, Narcoosee’s, 1900 Park Fare, Ale & Compass, Cape May, Beaches and Cream, Sabastian’s Bistro.
Walt Disney World Behind The Magic: Smellitzer Machines
Have you ever noticed the smell of grass in the elephant scene of Soarin’ or the smell of burning wood in the Rome scene of Spaceship Earth?
Imagineers at Walt Disney World sometimes use scents to help immerse guests into their story with smellitizers and other devices.
In the picture above, a fan in the Main Street Confectionary vents out towards the sidewalk at Disneyland Resort.
Next time you’re on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom Park, you may notice the enhanced smell of popcorn. The entrance to Magic Kingdom is modeled after the lobby of a theater, so it’s only fitting that you would smell popcorn. Walk by the Main Street Confectionary, you’ll notice the smell of cinnamon and sugar, hoping to attract a few customers.
Scents are also used in few hotels: the lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort smells like green aloe and you’ll smell hibiscus flowers in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
If you want to bring your favorite scent from Walt Disney World to your home, check out Magic Candle Company, it makes a full line of Disney parks scents.
Do you have a favorite scent from somewhere in Walt Disney World? If so, share below!
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New Experience at Epcot's The Seas With Nemo & Friends
You can become a sea-sleuth with Finding Dory’s Friends, a new self-led journey through The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT. You can grab a complimentary scavenger hunt booklet where you’ll follow a map through the pavilion to solve rhyming puzzles and look for clues to help Dory remember and locate her marine friends!
This new experience offers an interactive way for guests of all ages to learn more about our friends under the sea.
The booklets will be located on the first floor inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
Click here to view Exclusive offers for Walt Disney World
by Darren Wittko
New Sign for Gusteau’s Restaurant at Epcot
Gusteau’s is the famed Parisian establishment that is home to Chef Remy from Disney and Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”
It’s also the soon-to-be setting for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the new attraction opening this summer at Epcot. This family-friendly experience will take you on an adventure with Chef Remy, where you’ll race through Gusteau’s kitchen in special trackless ride vehicles.
New Film Experiences Coming to Epcot in January
3 new films will debut Jan. 17, 2020, at Epcot, on the same day the Epcot International Festival of the Arts begins!
“Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score.
“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion invites Guests to participate in a new sing-along that will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.
“Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
Epcot Holiday Happenings
Now through December 30, 2019, you can celebrate the season at Epcot with many holiday-themed events!
There’s a new holiday makeover this year on a Future World classic: Living with the Land: Merry and Bright Nights! Each evening you can embark on the classic Living with the Land boat ride through greenhouses thriving with colorful fruits and veggies and decorated with sparkling holiday light displays.
Entertainment
Storytellers from countries around the World Showcase share legends and traditions ranging from a musical tour of the Great White North with the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs to the Hanukkah Storyteller’s tales of diverse music and customs (between Morocco and France pavilions). Daily performances of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season will share uplifting gospel, R&B and holiday songs of Christmas and Kwanzaa at the World Showcase Plaza Stage.
Food
And food! At Holiday Kitchens encircling the World Showcase Promenade have many special offerings. Also, you can now embark on the Holiday Cookie Stroll featuring gingerbread, black and white cookies and more.
I highly recommend the Candlelight Processional Table Service Dining Package at select restaurants, which includes guaranteed seating at a same-day Candlelight performance.
Check out Current Offers for Walt Disney World
Watch Candlelight Processional Tonight, Live from Epcot
On Dec. 3, 2019 at 8:10 p.m. ET join Disney for the #DisneyParksLIVE live stream of “The Candlelight Processional.”
The show combines a reading of traditional scripture by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by the sounds of a 200 member choir and 50 piece live orchestra.
Tonight’s celebrity narrator is Neil Patrick Harris.
Visit DisneyParksBlog.com at 8:10 p.m. ET on Dec. 3, 2019 and the livestream will be the top article.
Epcot's New BBQ Restaurant is fit for a...Monarch??
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is coming to The American Adventure Pavilion this winter inside Epcot.
Is it just me or was this an odd name for a restaurant at the American themed host pavilion? The word “regal” literally means “fit for a monarch” which seems a little unpatriotic considering where the restaurant is located. Didn’t we fight hard for our independence from a monarchy? Pretty sure it was a big deal, one that we celebrate every 4th of July.
Anyway, this new fast-casual barbecue experience at The American Adventure will offer up classic American backyard barbecue from around the United States as well as a variety of home-style craft brews.
On the menu are a variety of sandwiches and platters as well as a plant-based option. Guests can enjoy a sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy mop sauce on garlic toast or the South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions.
They can also feast on Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, all available by themselves or as part of a platter.
For a lighter option, grab the Power Greens Salad with chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette.
The restaurant will is set to open this winter.
Coming Soon! Mickey Will Have A New Home at Epcot
Mickey will soon be making appearances in a new location at the Imagination! pavilion, as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Just inside the entrance, you will discover Mickey greeting his fans and celebrating his on-screen stardom.
Mickey’s imagination has led to a career in the movies for 90 years and counting, featuring roles in dozens of short films such as “Get A Horse” which you’ll be able to watch as part of the festival. Look for Mickey to arrive at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in early 2020!
Expect Epcot Closures This Fall-Winter
List of closures as part of the ongoing transformation of #Epcot:
Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.
Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall.
Club Cool will also close during this time with elements set to return in the future.
Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close beginning on September 8, 2019.
Pin Central will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway.
The Camera Center will close this fall to become a new home for Pin Central.
Heritage Manor is also scheduled to close and return early next year.
Art of Disney will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. Heritage Manor will later become the new home for Art of Disney offerings.
Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close this winter. New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.
Related:
Summary of Epcot Transformation
Epcot Transformation
What is all the construction at Epcot? Here’s a overview of what is being built at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Some of these attractions have been delayed due to the pandemic, but others are nearly finished.
Recently Walt Disney Imagineering and other special guests, made several announcements about the future of Epcot. Let’s take a look at the biggest changes you can expect to see in the coming months.
Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation.
Soon the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, with a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Coming Soon...
Held in the America Gardens Theatre inside Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is a cherished part of the Walt Disney World holiday season, combining a live orchestra, a massive choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story in a heartwarming performance!
This show is extremely popular and I would consider it one of the “must-dos” of the holiday season. The show is general seating, first come, first served, and lines begin forming about 2 hours before each performance.
However if you book a Candlelight Dining Package, you will have guaranteed admission into one of the performances.
I’m told that the 2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages at Epcot will be available starting July 3, 2019.
For more information on the types of candlelight Dining Packages, and for package pricing visit the Walt Disney World Website for a complete price list.
Check out exclusive offers for Walt Disney World Resort during the Holiday 2019 season on the Offers Page.
Many consider Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort the best hotel at Disney World. Here’s why.