MickeyBlog News for July 10th, 2023
The July 4th holiday is in the books, and it was surprisingly kind of a disappointment.
Don’t get me wrong. Walt Disney World was its usual magical self.
However, the crowds were the lowest in a decade.
On the plus side, Disney set the table for several other holiday events coming soon.
We’ll talk about those happy topics in the latest MickeyBlog News.
Disney Preps for the Rest of 2023
This week’s updates come with a recurring theme. Disney is preparing the parks for the rest of 2023.
For example, MickeyBlog has chronicled the current EPCOT conversion underway.
Our exceptional team of park reporters has captured images of the transition taking place as we speak.
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ended on July 5th. Now, we’ve entered that brief phase before the next thing arrives.
On July 27th, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will open. You can check the calendar to verify that it’s still a couple of weeks from now.
However, cast members are already converting the various food kiosks at EPCOT in preparation for the event.
Eat to the Beat dining packages are also available now. If you’re planning to attend an Eat to the Beat show, you’ll want one of these.
We’ve reached a point where virtually every EPCOT festival concert sells out, even if the performer doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry.
Image Credit: Disney
You can book an Advanced Dining Reservation for one of these packages up to 60 days in advance.
Currently, that’ll take you up until Ray Parker Jr., who is apparently still alive. At his current age of 69, I doubt he’s doing much Ghostbusting, though.
The Halloween/Boo Bash Update
This year’s Food & Wine Festival will last through November 18th, which means it’ll cover the entire Halloween holiday season.
That’s my painfully awkward transition to Disney’s Halloween campaign.
Photo: Disney
Specifically, I’m dealing with the heartbreak of the fact that I didn’t get tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) on October 31st for the second straight year.
I waited too long, as did you if you planned to go. The Halloween Night version of the event has now sold out.
At the time of publication, that’s the only MNSSHP event that has been fully booked, though. October 30th is still open, which is probably when I’ll go.
Photo: Disney
On the other coast, we just learned that Haunted Mansion at Disneyland will close on August 14th.
Ordinarily, that would sound like bad news, right? NO! Disneyland fans know that this announcement foreshadows the impending arrival of something better.
What’s better than Haunted Mansion? You guessed it! Haunted Mansion Holiday will debut on September 1st! It won’t be long now!
Credit: Disney
Speaking of Disneyland, we’re still dealing with the fallout of last week’s Oogie Boogie Bash debacle.
Once again, Disney tech failed us all completely. A failed attempt to sell tickets on June 29th led to a panicked shut down for a week.
Now, we’ve learned that Oogie Boogie tickets will go back on sale July 11th, which is Tuesday. Sales open at 9 a.m. PST.
Free advice: you might want to practice your meditation or sip on some chardonnay while you try to book. You’ll want to take the edge off.
The Christmas Season Update
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Why stop at Halloween? Disney is ready to invite you to Christmas as well!
Tickets for two different Walt Disney World after-hours events are now on sale!
If you were busy in June, you might be wondering how there are two. Well, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is throwing its own Christmas party!
Photo: Disney
We’ve always had Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as a delightful activity.
For 2023, Hollywood Studios has introduced Disney Jollywood Nights as a second option, one that’s equal to and maybe even superior to the original!
We still don’t know exactly how this party will work, but Disney is currently casting some of the roles.
Credit: Disney
As we speak, Disney is searching for singers to portray Tiana and Belle at the new party!
The job listings indicate a preference for a Brian Setzer-style voice as well as an Ella Fitzgerald.
Photo Credit: Disneycareers.com
Disney also wants someone who can belt All I Want for Christmas in a style akin to Mariah Carey, which makes sense given that it’s THE holiday cover these days.
Hollywood Studios is also seeking performers for Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along.
Photo: Disney
Both shows sound amazing, but if I had to pick, I’d prioritize Jollywood Nights since you can say you attended during its first year ever.
To a larger point, for the first time ever, Disney is simultaneously selling tickets to three different after-hours events, each of which takes place during the final quarter of 2023.
Disney Miscellany
Let’s cover two quick park notes before we discuss the other big news this week.
Disneyland fans know about a beloved kiosk called Blue Ribbon Corn Dog.
This place is crazy-popular and offers some unique variants like the Golden Dragon Panko-Crusted Corn Dog.
Photo: Disney
Well, I’m happy to report that Walt Disney World will get one soon! Yes, Disney’s BoardWalk will host its own Blue Ribbon Corn Dog.
The company’s Instagram account shows that the kiosk is finished, at least at the outside. It won’t be long now!
Photo: Disney Parks
The other story also involves Disneyland Resort. Sadly, Disney’s Monorail has closed for roughly two months!
I know we’re all heartbroken about this. However, the trams require regular refurbishment to operate smoothly and safely. So, it’s really a good thing.
None of us is happy that this refurbishment is happening in July and August, though.
Photo: Travel and Leisure
The other big news this week involves Destination D23. Disney has revealed the panels for the upcoming September event.
Guests like Don Hahn and Ashley Eckstein will speak and host panels. Josh D’Amaro is also a part of the proceedings as well.
Two of the most exciting panels this year are EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming and Disney Cruise Line: 25 Years of Innovative Design at Sea.
You can read more about both of them here. MickeyBlog will obviously cover Destination D23 exhaustively when it happens.
EPCOT
Image Credit: Disney
Until then, keep reading to learn what else Disney has planned for the event. Here’s hoping some park announcements are part of it…
Photo: MickeyBlog
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