A World of Ways to Ring in 2011

WDWNT Author on December 24, 2010

A visit to Walt Disney World is always the best way to ring in the New Year, and this year it is certainly no different. The parks are pulling out all the stops as far as live entertainment, so even if you’re stuck in a giant crowd of people, you can fill your day with something other than long attraction wait times. Here’s the line-up:

Magic Kingdom

  • “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:15 p.m.
  • “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
  • “Main Street Electrical Parade” at 7 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
  • “Holiday Wishes” fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
  • “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m.
  • Park Hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.

While not listed by Disney, don’t miss the Celebrate the Season castle stage show, and the Club 626 Dance Party & Totally Tomorrowland Christmas in Tomorrowland.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • “Block Party Bash” parade at 3 p.m.
  • “Fantasmic!” nighttime extravaganza at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
  • Live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears” at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat at 8, 9, 10 and 11 p.m.
  • “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks starring “Mulch, Sweat and Shears” at 11:55 p.m.
  • Park hours: 8 a.m.-12 a.m.

Epcot

  • Special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at 7:30 & 11:40 p.m.
  • Park hours: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.
  • Park Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon

  • Electrical Water Pageant at 10:25 p.m.

At Downtown Disney and Disney’s BoardWalk

Cirque du Soleil at Downtown Disney

  • 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances of La Nouba
  • Special New Year’s Eve champagne toasts
  • Guests will receive a limited-edition La Nouba pin created for the New Year’s Eve event
  • More info: 407/939-7328 or cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba

DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney

  • Ring in the New Year at DisneyQuest with favorite cyber attractions and games, a DJ Dance Party with a New Year’s Eve countdown, party favors and a coupon for a personal pizza and soda at FoodQuest
  • Party Hours: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • $39 per person, advance/$45 per person, day of
  • More info: 407/934-7639 or disneyworld.com/disneyquestparty. Tickets may be purchased online or at the DisneyQuest Box Office.

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk

  • Dance into the New Year at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
  • Party Hours: 8 p.m.-2 a.m., ages 21+
  • $35 for access to the main floor of the Dance Hall, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight
  • $75 for a VIP ticket that adds a private upstairs area with seating; limited viewing for Epcot fireworks with guaranteed seating and coffee, tea or hot chocolate with dessert bar and a premium bar
  • More info: 407/WDW-DINE

There are also some very special dining opportunities available for New Year’s Eve:

La Hacienda de San Angel at Epcot

  • La Hacienda de San Angel is offering a special six-course prix-fixe menu and live music starting at 9 p.m.
  • $199 per person, or $225 with wine and spirits (plus tax and gratuity), $49.95 ages 3 to 9
  • Epcot admission required
  • More info: 407/842-1107 or e-mail lahaciendadesanangel@me.com

Bistro de Paris at Epcot

  • Bistro de Paris is offering a special prix-fixe New Year’s Eve menu
  • $150 per person, $225 with wine pairings with each course
  • Epcot admission required

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

  • California Grill will host a New Year’s Eve party featuring food stations, an open bar, a casino-style game room, DJ, dancing, Disney characters, live entertainment and a great viewing location for the Magic Kingdom fireworks
  • $525 per person, all inclusive
  • More info: 407/WDW-DINE

Duffy the Disney Bear Arrives! (Video & Pictures)

WDWNT Author on October 15, 2010

WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee and his fiancee Sidney Lee were on assignment today for the debut of Duffy the Disney Bear at Epcot, so let’s take a look at some pictures and video of today’s festivities:

Most of the Disney Traders store/Tower East shop is dedicated to Duffy

Guests were gobbling up bears and outfits. The 12-inch Duffy is $14.95, the 17-inch is $24.95, and the 28-inch is $59.95.

The famous Epcot podium is here for the ceremony

Duffy is here!

Sailor Mickey

Here’s a video of today’s festivities:

Epcot Is About To Become “Walt Duffy World”

WDWNT Author on September 19, 2010

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Duffy the Disney Bear will debut at Epcot on October 14th with a new meet and greet between the entrance to World Showcase and the Mexico pavilion, right near the Port of Entry shop (otherwise known as Tower East). The Port of Entry shop will be turned into a Duffy-only shop, referred to at today’s passholder event as “Duffy Central”. More Duffy merchandise will be available at the various World Showcase pavilions, matching the country they are available in. Each country in World Showcase will also have small themed area where guests can pose their Duffy plush for a photo. Disney will also be selling different outfits for Duffy for different seasons and special events as they roll around. Duffy will also have his own theme song, Walt Disney World exclusive mug and popcorn bucket, and official Facebook page in the coming weeks. All of the Kidcot fun-stops at Epcot will be changed to a Duffy theme sometime in the near future. Disney Bear pins and Vinylmation will be officially launching in March 2011, yet some Duffy pins will be released at February 2011’s “Love is Magical” event. Duffy will even have his own original cartoon series on Walt Disney World Resort Television. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get closer to the debut of Duffy the Disney Bear October 14th at Epcot.

His success in Tokyo has the U.S. Parks excited with the possibilities

He has no shortage of Mickey icons