by Military Diva
This was a busy month for Disney Travel Destinations! Not only did the parks and ships transform from Halloween to Christmas, but BIG discounts were announced for our Military Members, Disney Cruise Line began sailing with major changes to their Health and Safety Policy, and we had a corporate shakeup! Earlier this month the company announced that Bob Iger, the former CEO, would be returning to replace Bob Chapek. There are rumors of big changes coming in the near future as Iger retakes the reigns. We will keep you posted on any news we receive. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the updates that were confirmed this November.
Walt Disney World Resort
Cinderella’s Iced Castle
- Disney World is still requiring Park Pass Reservations as well as valid park admission to enter the parks. Guests can now select the specific ticket they would like to use for each Park Pass (if multiple tickets are linked), modify existing reservations without canceling, and receive a confirmation number for the reservation once booked.
- Military Discounted Room Rates were announced for 2023! Discounts may be available for most nights from January 1-December 15, 2023.
- Military Discounted Tickets for 2023 were also announced.
- Tickets are available at local bases and via Shades of Green (both tax-free). Tickets can also be purchased at Disney World ticketing booths (tax included).
- Disney World is offering 4 and 5-day Military Discounted Park Hopper tickets and Park Hopper Plus Tickets
- Look over Disney World’s Military Page, Shades of Green Ticketing, or your local base for eligibility.
- Blackout dates of April 2-15 and November 19-25, 2023 apply.
- Ticket Changes are being made to 1-day Base Tickets beginning on December 8, 2022.
- 1-Day Base tickets will be park specific-you will select your date and park in advance
- At the time of purchase, the system will book Park Pass Reservations for the guests using these tickets. You will not need to check availability in advance or book separate
Park Pass Reservations after purchase.
- Dining Cancelation Updates
- The penalty-free cancelation policy for dining reservations has changed from 24 hours to 2 hours prior to the reservation. This now offers guests more flexibility in planning their day without incurring the $10 per person cancelation penalty.
- Victoria & Albert’s and Hoop-de-Doo-Revue’s are the two exceptions. Please read the specific cancelation policies for these locations when making your bookings.
- Refurbishments and Closings
- The Oak Manor quiet pool at Disney’s Port Orleans-Riverside will be closed for updates on November 14. It is expected to reopen in mid-December.
- Holiday Foodie Guides for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and for the Walt Disney Parks (non-party days) and Disney Springs were announced this month. A few of the highlights are included below.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Lock Shock & Barrel Sundae and Sugar Plum Shake (Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies); Holiday Dinner Dog and Christmas Tree Cake (Casey’s Corner); Polar Bear Claw (Cool Ship); Curry Brat Tots and Tinker Bell Cream Puff (The Friar’s Nook); Fried Pork Tamale and Chai Caramel Freeze (Golden Oak Outpost); Cinnamon Roll and Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat (Main Street Bakery),; exas Sized Sweet Potato Oie (Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe); Peppermint Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae and Candy Cane Hot Cocoa (Plaza Ice Cream); Funnel Cake Sundae, Sandy Claws Peppermint Mousse Treat and Apple Cider Float (Sleepy Hollow Refreshments); Once Upon a Christmastime Tart (Sunshine Terrace); Christmas Cookie Churro and Christmas Wreath Donut (Main Street USA)
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park-Holiday Mousse Dome, Menagerie Cupcake, Smores Hot Cocoa, Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse, Horchata Mousse with cookie/ice cream/toppings,
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios-Holiday Minnie Mouse Bundt Cake, Reindeer Mousse, Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa, Red Velvet Whoopie Pie, Holiday Tree Marshmallow, Hot Cocoa Flight, Candy Cane Milkshake, Winter Signature Dessert, Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie, Santa Mickey Mouse Cupcake, Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookie, Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart, and Mickey Mouse Brownie.
- EPCOT-Peppermint Shake, Seasonal Cinnamon Glazed nuts, Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake, Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie, Snowball Cookies, Peppermint Bark, Mouse Crunch Cake, Maple Buche de Noel, Gingerbread Cookie, Coquito Soft Serve Waffle Cone, SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie, Black and White Cookie, Chocolate Crinkle Cookie, Linzer Cookie, DOLE Whip Raspberry, Croissant Donut, Egg Nog and Cream Filled Donut, Gingerbread Milkshake, Holiday Sugar Cookie, Coquito Milkshake, Jingle Sugar Cookie, Macaron Christmas Tree, Mochi Cake and more!!
- Disney Springs-Ornament Mousse Dome Cake, Holiday Wreath Pastry, Santa Claus Petit Cake, and Holiday Mickey Mousse (Amorette’s Patisserie); Peppermint Cookies & Cream Shake (D-Luxe Burger); Minnie Mouse Reindeer Pinata, Gingerbread Ganache Square, Peppermint Park, Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise, Rowdy Reindeer (The Ganachery); Kris Kringle Cookie and Cookie Vom Krampus (Gideon’s Bakehouse); Santa Mickey Mouse Bubble Sundae (Marketplace Snacks); Frozen Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Soft Serve and Peppermint Chocolate Bark Soft-Serve Nachos (Swirls on the Water); Santa’s Little Helper Sundae, Spiced Apple Cider Float, Bah Humbug Milkshake (Vivoli il Gelato)
- Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Class returned on November 16!
- Guests will enjoy a 90-minute Mickey Dome Cake decorating session, creating their own personal treat.
- The cost of the experience is $199 for two guests, decorating one cake.
- Bottomless drinks are also included.
- Cake Bake Shop is opening soon on Disney’s Boardwalk. Additional details have not been announced just yet.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays began at EPCOT on November 25 and will run until December 30, 2022. Guests can enjoy the returning Candlelight Processional, special lights on Spaceship Earth, park decorations, attraction overlays, and special treats throughout the park.
Disneyland Resort
Sleeping Beauty Castle at night
- Park Pass Reservations as well as valid tickets are still required for Disneyland theme park entry. Be sure to check the availability calendar prior to purchasing your tickets or packages!
- Military Discounted Room Rates were announced for 2023! Room discounts may be available for most nights from January 1-December 16, 2023.
- Military Discounted Tickets for 2023 were also announced.
- Tickets are available at local bases.
- Disneyland is offering 3 and 4-day Park Hopper tickets and Park Hopper tickets with Genie+ included.
- Look over Disneyland’s Military Page or your local base for eligibility.
- Tickets can be purchased now through December 11. The last day of use is December 15, 2023. Blackout dates of April 2-15, 2023 apply.
- The Holiday Foodie Guide for the parks of Disneyland Resort was announced this month. Below you will find a list of some of the fan-favorite treats.
- Disneyland Park-Holiday Green Alien Macaron, Haunted Mansion Cake, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Holiday Sundae, Cinnamon Brown Sugar Ice Cream, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, Sipping Chocolate with a Dipping Waffle, Snowman Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, Santa Hat Macaron, Christmas Brownie, Mickey Mouse Gingerbread, Apple-Pecan Donut, Peppermint Cookie Donut, Maple Beignets, Gingerbread Bundt Cake, Holiday Cake, Holiday Milk Wand, Peppermint Mickey Mouse Marshmallow, Snowflake Mickey Mouse Apple, Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Crisped Rice Treat, Holiday Cake Pops, Caramel Pecan Cream Cheese Pretzel and more!
- Disney California Adventure Park-Bananas Foster Funnel Cake Fries, Mickey Mouse Holiday Apple, Mickey Mouse Holiday Crisped Rice Treat, Holiday Cake Pops, Mexican Chocolate Cheesecake, Snowman Sourdough Bread, Chocolate Peppermint Sundae, Pumpkin Pie Churro, Christmas Tree Cone, Gingerbread Shake with Gingerbread Donut, Peppermint Donuts, Salted Caramel-Mocha Bundt Cake, Atomic Pretzel, Dulce de Leche Mickey Mouse Shake, Chocolate Cherry Yule Log Shake, Caramel Apple Churro, Abuelita Hot Chocolate Churro, Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Churro, White Cotton Candy and more!
- Disneyland Resort is offering In-Room Celebrations this Holiday Season. Packages can be purchased now through December 24 via Disney Floral and Gifts, for in-room delivery. The packages include…
- “Dreaming of a Disney Holiday”-pre-lit tree, Mickey Hat tree topper, Fab 5 Ornament set, Holiday Photo Frame Ornament, Disney Countdown Calendar, Various Treats ($225 plus tax)
- “A Holiday Celebration”-Holiday Banner, Mickey and Minnie Plush, Box of Disney Themed Gift Cards, Disney Glass Ball Ornament Set, Wooden Snowflake, Personalized Blanket, Various Treats ($325 plus tax)
- Mickey’s Toon Town is reopening in Disneyland Park on March 8, 2023. This updated play place is the perfect spot for families of all ages and abilities to play together. The area will feature open play spaces, sensory centers, Goofy’s House, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (opening January 27).
- Celebration Updates!
- Lunar New Year Celebration will return to Disney California Adventure from January 20-February 15, 2023.
- Disney California Food & Wine Festival will return from March 3-April 25, 2023.
Disney Cruise Line
- Health and Safety Updates
- As of November 14, 2022, negative Covid-19 tests are no longer required for guests sailing out of the United States.
- Guests are encouraged to be vaccinated and to test two days prior to departure, but neither is required.
- Muster Drills aboard the Disney Ships have returned to pre-Covid procedures. All guests will now drill in person, assembling at their muster station during their scheduled time.
- “Silver Anniversary at Sea” Celebrations will be held on all Disney Ships from May to September 2023. Guests can expect special activities, costumes, entertainment, merchandise and more as Disney Cruise Line celebrates 25 Years at Sea!
- 2023 Marvel Day at Sea Updates
- Sailings are available January-March 2023 on the Disney Dream out of Miami, FL.
- More than 3 Marvel Characters, including Heroes and Villians alike, will be joining guests on their action-packed adventure!
Adventures by Disney
Disney-themed and specialty River Cruises offered by Adventures by Disney
- Disney Visa Cardmembers can embark on an Adventures by Disney Cruise of the Danube River and save up to $500 per person this summer. Must be booked by January 6, 2023, to enjoy this special offer.
Over the next few months, make sure you keep watch for updates that may affect your family’s travel. This year discounts have been offered off of the normal announcement schedule, the long-standing dining cancelation policy underwent major changes, and pre-Covid Muster Drills returned to the Disney Cruise Line. And we expect to see some major changes from Bob Iger moving forward. Guests traveling in the near future will need to stay alert for changes to the Park Pass Reservation system, Genie +, and more! While we have no idea of what is coming, we are hopeful for positive changes that make travel a bit easier and hopefully more affordable!
As we move into the Holiday Season, we at Tips from the Disney Diva would like to wish all of you the best of health, family, and future travel! May you spend your month thinking about your favorite memories while making more with the best people in your life. And may you all continue to travel!
If you would like assistance with your next vacation, consider speaking with our sponsored agent, Patricia with All for Dreams Travel. She is an independent agent working with Gateway Travel/Gateway to Magic Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She specializes in family group travel and Military Discounted travel for Disney Destinations, Universal Properties, Cruises, and more. Send her a message today if you would like to have an experienced agent on your side!
