WALT DISNEY WORLD

New Year’s Eve Parties

Two New Year’s Eve parties have been announced for the Magic Kingdom. A Wishes dinner and dessert fireworks party, with all-you-care-to-eat buffet is being held at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station on December 31 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The dinner buffet includes artisan breads, fruit, cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, beef short-ribs and carved pork, along with children’s buffet selections. You’ll then be able to choose from a wide-range of desserts and toast the New Year with a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage before watching the Wishes fireworks display. The cost is $139.99 for Guests ages 10 and older and $69.99 for children ages 3-9.

Later that evening a Fantasy in the Sky Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom begins at 9:50 p.m. The Party includes a self-service buffet featuring sweets and beverages and non-alcoholic sparkling drinks to toast the New Year. The cost is $35.99 for Guests ages 10 and over and $19.99 for children ages 3-9.

Park tickets are required for both parties, and pre-payment is required.

Guests wanting a really special way to see in the New Year, and who have $375 (+ tax) to spare, can enjoy an evening at Victoria and Albert’s. The exclusive menu will include caviars from around the world and a collection of some of the most eclectic and famous champagnes available.

Call 407-WDW-DINE to book.

Rental Price Increases

Rental prices at the parks have increased from November 20. Lockers at the Theme Parks now cost $7 a day for a small locker (up from $5) and $9 for a large locker (up from $7). Water park lockers increase $3 each to $8 and $10 for small and large lockers respectively. Wheelchair rentals now cost $12 a day, up from $10. Whilst electric scooterdaily rental costs have increased from $45 to $50.

New Wait Time App

Our friends over at the Touring Plans website (home of the Unofficial Guide to WDW books) has just launched a great new mobile website for the iPhone.
The app estimates wait times for every attraction in all four parks, as well as predicting what the waits will be later in the day.

More details on the app can be found here.

Sleigh Rides

This year, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World in Florida is offering sleigh rides through the secluded beauty of the 700-acre backwoods resort. From Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2009, four adults – or two adults and three small children – can climb into a shiny, fire engine-red sleigh, decked out with garland and twinkling holiday lights, and take a relaxing, 25-minute sojourn into the lush forest.

The cost is $60 per sleigh. Children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Sleighs depart from the Blacksmith’s Shop near the Settlement area inside Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.  Guests driving to the resort can park at the entrance of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and board a Disney motorcoach to be transported to the Settlement area.  For reservations and more information, call 407/WDW-PLAY.

Candlelight Changes

The Candlelight Processional narrator list has changed slightly, with Abigail Breslin replacing Vanessa Williams on December 14th.

Thanksgiving Week Openings

Various dining establishments will be opening during Thanksgiving week from November 22 – 28:
El Pirata Y el Perico ~ 11am-3pm counter service.
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station ~ 11am-4pm counter service American cuisine; 5pm-10pm counter service Asian cuisine.
Diamod Horseshoe ~ Nov. 20-28 counter service lunch 11am-4pm; Nov. 25-28 table service dinner 5pm-9pm.

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Christmas Lane

New this year at the Walt Disney Studios is “Christmas Lane,” a selection of huts each with different offerings. Including toys, Disney merchadise, snacks, hot beverages, and a Post Office where kids can send letters to Santa. Watch out for a full report and photos coming soon!