At this time of year, carefree youngsters excitedly offer up their Christmas wish lists to anyone and everyone they believe will fulfill their hopes and dreams—especially Santa Claus.  For some reason, grownups are less inclined to put pen to paper (or texting fingers to smart phone) to compose their own wish lists—let alone distribute them to family and friends (or Santa).  Perhaps they are simply too busy, stressed by the season, believe they are being thoughtful, or just want to feel all grownup.  Regardless as to why, the act of offering up Yuletide wish lists has practically been abandoned by many adults.  It seems, for them, the times of sharing their wishes are in the past.  All but forgotten are the childhood days spent happily crayon scribbling construction paper letters to Santa as well as to all those who just might make dreams come true.

As good luck would have it, there is a place that is all about returning to youthful excitement and the belief in magic, Walt Disney World.   Where better to focus our attention when thinking about our Christmas longings? So, like children who are only limited by their imaginations, the WDW Radio Blog Team will be bringing you a week-long celebration of “Walt Disney World Christmas Lists.”  There will be lists of merchandise, places, activities, and events at Walt Disney World and even lists of hoped for future Imagineering projects.  We hope you will read along and join in the fun by sharing your own Walt Disney World Christmas Lists.

(Photo ©Disney)

Entries in the Series

A Very Merry Walt Disney World Christmas List

A Cross-Country Disney Parks Christmas List

Imagineering my own WDW Christmas list for 2016

When You Wish Upon a Star for Christmas

The Definitive Indisputable Character Christmas Wish List

The Top 10 Items on my Walt Disney World Christmas List

5(ish) Books On The Future Imagineer’s Christmas List

My Ultra-Amazing Luxury Holiday Gift List from Walt Disney World

Andrew’s Blue-Sky Walt Disney World Resort Wish List

A Very Royal Mother-Daughter Christmas List

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When I was a kid, to me, Walt Disney World was the first and only Disney park. I thought that WDW came first and that Disneyland came second. Boy, did I have a lot to learn. Over the years, as my love for Disney grew, and as my trips to Walt Disney World became more frequent, I became more fascinated by the history of both parks and inspired by how an idea transformed into such a monumental destination.

Besides our several trips to WDW, I’ve traveled abroad several times and even lived in London my junior year of college. However, believe it or not, I’ve never left the east coast of the United States! For the longest time, WDW was the only park I even wanted to go to…that was, until Sean went to Disneyland. Sean has been to Disneyland a few times, mostly when he was in the area for business trips. I have to admit, I’m a little jealous. I still feel iffy about going to Disneyland because I know it’s smaller than WDW, and I fear I would be disappointed. However, to be able to see the real first Disney park – the one Walt Disney did build from start to finish – would be something so special.

So, in the spirit of Christmas, and working hard all year to get on Santa’s good list, here is what I would ask him for…a pie-in-the-sky ultimate Disney dream vacation:

Start with a trip to the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago, Illinois.

From there, a trip to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Then a trip to Disneyland with guided tours, lunch at the Cozy Cone and a visit to Cars Land.

From there, take a nice, long, relaxing trip to Aulani, spending a week in the warm tropics.

After a nice week in Hawaii, fly to and spend some time there at any one of the deluxe resorts.

Then, end off the whirlwind trip with a 7-day Disney Cruise Line cruise.

—

All I have to say is Santa has his work cut out for him. But hey, I never said Santa couldn’t join us!

(Photos ©Disney)

 “New Yorkas” Felicia and Sean are avid Disney fans.  Their first vacation as a couple was in Walt Disney World.  They were engaged there, and also honeymooned there.  After a combined 30 trips to the World, they are self-professed Disney travel agents and enjoy helping family and friends plan magical Disney vacations.

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Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”  I like to dream big—because sometimes wishes can be granted in the most unexpected ways.  My Walt Disney World Christmas list is a tall order, but when you wish upon a star, anything your heart desires will come to you.

Wouldn’t it be fun to fly over the Magic Kingdom like Tinker Bell?  Wouldn’t you love to float over the castle hub, wearing a costume decorated with lights, waving a magic wand?  I may be timid with heights, but I would be swayed to ignore that fact for a once-in-a-lifetime zip line ride.

This may sound crazy, but when I retire, I would like to be a barista at Starbuck’s.  And wouldn’t it be cool to be a barista at a Walt Disney World Starbuck’s?  I could drink coffee all day and chat with guests and other skinny latte lovers.  

Why is it that kids have all the fun?  Why is it that only younglings are invited to participate as Padewans in the Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple?  Show of hands—how many of you have this wish on your Walt Disney World Christmas list? 

Nothing expresses the meaning of the Christmas season more than the Epcot Candlelight Processional.  Just once I’d love to perform in the choir—and as long as we’re wishing big, I’d like to be the singer at the tippy-top of the Christmas tree. 

How about an overnight stay in the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle Suite?  I wonder if it has a turret veranda where I recline with my morning coffee and read the New York Times? 

At one time, I had a wish to drive a car on the Walt Disney World Speedway.  With that option no longer a possibility, I now wish to drive the fire-breathing dragon down Main Street, U.S.A. during the Festival of Fantasy Parade. 

Everyone dreams of performing as a Walt Disney World character, don’t they?  But I’d like to perform as Captain Phasma, and walk down Hollywood Boulevard with my band of Stormtroopers.  “Step aside!” 

One of my favorite events during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the Party for the Senses.  Just once, I would love to experience the event as a sous chef working side-by-side with a resort Executive Chef, plating and handing out food to guests.  One for you, two for me!

I have been a regular guest at Walt Disney World for many years and have been fortunate to experience more than the average handful of amazing opportunities.  But I will continue dreaming, and maybe, just maybe, one of my Christmas wishes will come true.  Merry Christmas, everyone!

What is on your Walt Disney World Christmas list? 

(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)

Looking for Magic is Kathy @ Two Roads Photo.  As a librarian, walker of many miles, and Paper Bag Princess, Kathy dreams of having coffee with Belle at the castle and co-administering a fantasy book discussion group.  She can be contacted at imtxag85@aol.com.

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There’s SO many things in Walt Disney World I’d love to own! From signs to ride vehicles, even trash cans! It was hard, but I narrowed it down to ten. So here it is, my Walt Disney World Christmas List, in no particular order….

1. Monorail Red- This was the first Monorail I rode with my family, we boarded at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and got off at the Ticket and Transportation Center en route to Epcot. I’ll never forget it…and would LOVE to own it!

2. Captain Cook’s/Coral Isle Café signs- The Polynesian is our “Home Resort,” so I gotta have these signs! It’s Kona Café now, so dust that Coral Isle sign off and send it my way please!

3. Kitchen Kabaret/Food Rocks Audio-Animatronics- I LOVED these attractions as a kid, they made Epcot a beloved destination! They should be rocking out at The Land today, but I’ll definitely put em’ to good use!

4. World Showcase/Polynesian Trash Cans- This one may seem silly, but I absolutely love the various trash cans around property! The World Showcase can with the compass logo and Polynesian can with the tiki are two of my favs. “Waste Please, Mahalo.”

5. Partners Statue- This is a beloved spot for my family, as it is with so many people. I couldn’t deny everyone the joy of seeing Walt n’ Mickey hand-in-hand, so an identical replica would be just fine!

6. Test Track Ride Vehicle- There’s dozens of ride vehicles I’d love to own, but a Test Track car would be a blast to zip around in!

7. Jungle Cruise Boat- The only thing more fun than a ride vehicle… skippering my own Jungle Cruise boat! I’d call it the “Dawa Donnie!”

8. Week-Long Stay in Cinderella Castle Suite- Lol, no explanation necessary here! Dream come true. Period.

9. Lifetime V.I.P. Passes for 12- A dozen passes for me and my closest family, friends, and loved ones…. For Life!

10. On-Property Employment- It’s always been a dream of mine to work at WDW, especially as an Imagineer. When I was nine years old, I submitted an attraction idea based off 101 Dalmatians. I even included concept art! I got a nice and encouraging letter back, but never pursued my dream beyond that. So if I could have a job on property, ANY job, my Christmas Wish List would be complete!

(Photos ©Disney)

Don Myers has covered Walt Disney World news and recent/upcoming events for the WDW Radio Blog since 2011. He has loved “all things Disney” since his first family trip to WDW in 1986. As they say, the rest is history! Don was also a contributing writer for Celebrations Magazine, penning over 30 articles and 7 cover stories for the publication from 2009 to 2012.

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1. Journey Into Imagination

The original Journey Into Imagination which included the Dreamfinder character and Figment was located in Epcot. Even though there are videos on YouTube and other sources of this incarnation, I would prefer to experience the original ride for myself.

2. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was located in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Disneyland still has the ride format but now has a Finding Nemo overlay and is not the same as the original.  My mom tells stories of riding this E-Ticket ride when she was younger, and I would like to experience the original ride complete with musty smell.

3. Riding with the Monorail Pilot

Before 2009, you could ride up front in the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail with the Monorail Pilot, and it was really fun to go all the way around the resort.  When I did this in 2003 and 2007, we started at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, where I left my wheelchair, and made the circular trip to all four Monorail stations.  After the ride you were given a co-Pilot’s license.

4. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was located in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Although I have ridden this attraction at Disneyland, I wish it still remained at WDW.   Who doesn’t want to “take a motorcar to nowhere in particular”?

5. Mickey Mouse Revue

The Mickey Mouse Revue in MK Fantasyland. I would really like to experience this first-hand and not have to watch it on a video.

6. Kitchen Kabaret

Kitchen Kabaret at Epcot’s Future World in The Land Pavilion. I have seen videos of this so many times I would really like to see the kitchen come to life for myself.

7. World of Motion

World of Motion at Epcot was replaced by Test Track. World of Motion was a ride through attraction that took you through the history of transportation.

8. Access to the TTA

My last wish is for the Imagineers to install an elevator for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. When I was younger my Dad was able to help me get up to the loading area, but now I am too big and there is no wheelchair access.

(Photo credits: Dreamfinder photo, Mickey Mouse Revue and Monorail co-pilot license ©Disney; Mr. Toad Sign – Ricky Brigante, license; Mr. Toad Ride – Ricky Brigante, license; Kitchen Kabaret – ATIS547, license; World of Motion – auntie rain, license; 20,000 Leagues photo from the personal collection of Kendall Foreman;  All other photos are property of author.)

Andrew is a 19-year-old high school graduate from Ohio. He was born with cerebral palsy and gets around in a wheelchair.  He has been to both US Disney parks, several D23 events and is a DCL Gold Castaway Club member. If you would like to contact him feel free to e-mail him at arprince@bex.net or look him up on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andrew.prince.7161 and on Twitter https://twitter.com/Andrew1arp 

The post Andrew’s Blue-Sky Walt Disney World Resort Wish List appeared first on WDW Radio.

Shook. That’s the only word that adequately defines how I felt.

In the glow of an icy Cinderella Castle on the first evening of Mickey’s Very Christmas Party for the 2016 season, a hype crowd (and I mean h-y-p-e crowd) including myself enjoyed the world premiere of Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration. The stage show is performed exclusively during MVMCP and during Christmas week at Magic Kingdom, and there was no precedence for what to expect on that debut night. Nothing. I could say I was amazed. That doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head. I could say I was blown away. Still not it. I could even say I was in castle show heaven. But that hyperbole still misses the mark. No, there’s only one word to describe my emotions in that moment: Shook.

And as much as I’d like to present a thoughtful, professional critique of my opinions toward Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration in a formal written review, I simply cannot. It deserves better. And therefore the language of the remainder of this post will reflect the nature of the adjective adorning its title: A breathless, voice-lost-from-screaming-so-loudly, might-need-medical-attention-because-of-how-lit-that-show-was Disney fan who is not physically capable of rendering his love for a project into coherent sentences.

With spoilers aplenty, here’s why Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration had me shook:

The Projections

This show doesn’t mess around. From literally the very beginning, it blasts those projections on Cindy’s place and says loud and clear “Hey, y’all, we got a budget surplus this year and we’re gonna use every cent.” This isn’t going to be a cute jingle bell revue. It means business, son, and if you can’t handle the heat, then A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas will be happy to have you.

Using the same projection mapping techniques and spotlights employed for Once Upon a Time, M3C (if you have to ask, get out), the visuals on the castle are just as much a spectacle as the show itself.

The Texting Song

The texting song should be nominated for a Grammy. Don’t @ me.

Pluto Is In This Show.

They did that.

TOY STORY.

When Goofy says, “Oh, boy! My friends are here!,” tbh I thought Powerline himself was about to materialize before my very eyes, so seeing Woody and Jessie is a bit of a shock. But a good shock, because it brings up some very interesting questions. Goofy calls them his friends. First of all, that’s incredible. Second, how on earth and in what possible scenario would Goofy have ever met Woody and Jessie? Idk, but I’m here for it.

Clarabelle Cow

I don’t know what I expected when I purchased my ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but a diva cow dressed in a boujee feather boa singing Mariah Carey wasn’t it. But I’m not mad.

At the texting song, we’re like, “Ok, this is a little different, but I think I like it.” By Clarabelle’s entrance that is by all accounts the living definition of the word “extra,” we’re sold. We’re sold, and we’re loving it. Take my money. For tomorrow night’s party. Because I want to come back and see Clarabelle living her best life again and again.

The Three Caballeros

WHAT. By the time Panchito and José have arrived, I was all but concussed on the ground. This show is *everything*. Surely no more characters can even fit on the st—OH MY GOSH.

Friends from Fantasyland

“It’s our friends from Fantasyland!” [more characters appear than I knew existed] [not really but it feels that way] EVERYONE is here. There are so many obscure, randomly paired characters on the stage that it practically feels like an episode of House of Mouse. A few things to break down here:

Minnie says, “It looks like everyone got our invitation!” This means that these are the people Minnie texted at the beginning of the show to invite them to the party. I like that image in my head of a text convo between Minnie and Jiminy Cricket. Likewise for Goofy with Chip and Dale, as they mention that he was the person to invite them.

By the time they start ringing those bells… I am l i v i n g.

Finale

Santa Mickey and Mrs. Claus Minnie is everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. What can possibly top this show? Answer: Nothing.

Then Mickey and the gang start listing things they’re thankful for around Christmastime. Aw, how sweet. Then comes the zinger: “Wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas!” Wait… are they going to …? No they are not. No. They. Are. Not. NO THEY ARE NOT. “It’s in the singing of a street corner choir…” DEEEEAAAAAD I’M DEAD I’M DEAD I’M DEAD I DIED I’M DEAD. Mickey. Mouse. Singing. Muppets. And it’s the finale of the show? And it’s snowing? And the projections are still going on the castle? [sobs uncontrollably] [stays in exact same position after the show is over to wait for it to start again]

Were you shooketh by Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration?

(Images belong to author’s personal collection.)

To learn more about Blake and read his recent posts for WDW Radio, visit his author page by clicking on his name at the top of this post.

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If you have a young child in your life, you are probably pondering what sort of small gift to purchase for his/her school teacher.  Personally, I have many acquaintances who are elementary teachers, and each year, I hear them mention how they would much prefer parents spend money on something for classroom use than on a personal gift (Leave it to teachers to always be putting their students first!).  A few years ago, one such teacher told me how they had asked parents to please consider purchasing a picture book for the classroom in lieu of a gift for them.

With this suggestion in mind, you have the opportunity to share a little piece of Walt Disney World or just plain, good old Disney magic with your child’s teacher and classmates this holiday season.  Here are a number of books available in a range of prices:

Disney Parks Presents: Jungle Cruise

Author: Walt Disney Imagineering

Available from Amazon

Hardcover

Price: $13.37

Disney Parks Presents: It’s A Small World

Author: Richard Sherman

Available from Amazon

Hardcover

Price: $12.92

A Kiss Goodnight

Authors: Richard Sherman and Floyd Norman

Available from Amazon

Hardcover

Price: $13.99

Assorted Disney Little Golden Books

Author: Varies

Available from Amazon

Hardcover

Price: $3.99-5.99

Who Was Walt Disney?

Author: Whitney Stewart

Available from Amazon

Paperback

Price: $5.99

Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire

Authors: Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville, and Brigette Barrager

Available from Amazon

Hardcover

Price: $11.58

(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)

To learn more about Kendall and read her recent posts for the WDW Radio Blog, visit her author page by clicking the link on her name at the top of this post.

The post WDW Radio Season of Giving – A Classroom Gift appeared first on WDW Radio.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we want to see your Disney Holiday Décor! 

Click here to upload photos of your Disney-inspired holiday decorations. Then follow along on the WDW Clubhouse Facebook page to see the sparkly magic created for the season!

We can’t wait to see your creativity and share the joy of the season with each other!

The post It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… Disney! appeared first on WDW Radio.

Tis the season! The parade is over, the turkey leftovers are gone, so that means only one thing in our house… CHRISTMAS MOVIES!!!!!! 

As if life this time of year isn’t crazy enough, I got this idea to watch 25 Christmas movies/shorts/ shows on Disney+ and have a special snack or craft to go along with each one.  Now, full disclosure, I might not make it for all 25 days, because life, but I sure will try! This could begin a fun tradition for our family and hopefully yours as well! 

A little insight into our lives, my husband and I both work full time, and my daughter is in school. Some nights we don’t get home until 6:00pm and she goes to bed around 7:30pm, so just dinner, shower and books is a lot to fit into that period of time, so some of these will be very short and easy. Here we go! 

12/1: Pixar short Knick Knack: Starting off easy with this 3-minute short about a snowman in a snowglobe. Short and sweet! The special snack of this will be snowman string cheese. You draw a hat, eyes, smile and buttons on a string cheese wrapper 

12/2: A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa: Y’all know that I love anything Muppets! This is a fun 45-minute film that is great for a weeknight. For this one we are going to write our own letters to Santa. 

12/3: The Santa Clause: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday call for full-length movies! For tonight’s treat, we are going to have a hot cocoa bar. Some fun mix-ins for hot cocoa are marshmallows (of course), candy canes, caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, flavored syrups, and of course extra chocolate! 

12/4: I’ll Be Home For Christmas: Be still my JTT loving 90’s heart! I am not sure if this will keep my kiddos attention, but we will be decorating gingerbread houses. That should keep them busy, so I can revel in my 90’s nostalgia! 

12/5: Jingle All The Way: I know when I think about Arnold, my mind immediately goes to Christmas… Not really. This one was a tough one to come up with a special snack or craft. So we are going to have superhero salad (any salad my kid will eat is superhero salad) and some Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle for dessert. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, first off, I’m sorry because its delightful. Secondly, you can mix some chocolate covered pretzels, chips, nuts and cookies and mix them all together. 

Join us next week to see what entertainment and snacks Week 2 have in store! Happy Holidays!

My name is Sarah Niswender and I have WDW in my veins, going to the parks several times per year as early as age 2. Growing up in SoFla I was fortunate enough to have a lifelong Disney education, thanks to my mother (and hardworking father)! I am now passing the love for everything Disney along to my daughter and somewhat reluctant husband. I have participated in several runDisney events and am looking forward to participating as a part of the WDWRadio running team. See you on Main Street USA!

The post 25 Days of Christmas on Disney+ — Week 1 appeared first on WDW Radio.

I hope you all enjoyed the first week of the 25 days of Christmas!!! We managed to watch all of the movies/shorts (all on the weekend, but who’s counting…). So far my daughter’s favorite was the superhero salad! 

Tell me in the comments, how did week 1 go for you??? What was your favorite part?? Any tweaks I should make for next year? 

12/6: Prep & Landing: Ugh Mondays… This 22-minute cartoon is for sure going to make your Monday better! For dinner we are going to grab a cookie cutter and do Christmas tree PB&J’s with red and green apple slices. 

12/7: Lego Star Wars Holiday Special:  What could be better than the Star Wars Holiday Special??? The Star Wars Holiday Special in Lego form of course! This is 48 minutes of pure Star Wars bliss! To mark this occasion, we are going to make red and green lightsabers. Take white chocolate and some food coloring, dip in pretzel rods and add some sprinkles. Let cool in the fridge or freezer for a bit. 

12/8: Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas: This one is a little longer on a week night at 1 hour and 8 minutes, but the three stories are a family favorite!  Since its a school night, the weekend before I am going to grab a bag of sugar cookie mix and my Mickey head cookie cutter and pre-make Mickey head shaped cookies. We will decorate them and watch the movie.

12/9: Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: This is 26 minutes of pure Frozen delight! I am such a sucker for Olaf and his wacky antics. There are a few fun snacks that you can do for your night with Olaf. If they have Kringla in your neck of the woods, that would be an awesome snack to go along with this short. You can also make snowman mix: mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks, cut up baby carrots, and mini chocolate chips

12/10: Santa Buddies: Talking puppies and  Christmas…yes please!!!! This is a great Friday night movie!! Tonight’s snack is puppy chow! Where I am from, this is a Chex Cereal mix you can either make or buy in stores now. It’s delicious! 

12/11: The Santa Clause 2:  Saturday nights are a great night for breakfast for dinner!! Christmas-themed pancakes are a big hit in our house. You can make a Christmas tree out of different sized green pancakes, red velvet pancakes and cream cheese icing. Chocolate chip/peppermint pancakes are also a fave! You can do strawberry/banana candy canes as well! Let your imagination run wild.  

12/12: The Muppets Christmas Carol: If I only watch this once during the holidays I would be very surprised! As previously stated, I love anything Muppet and this movie is no exception! Instead of a craft or a fun snack, I like to use this movie to help teach my daughter about charity and helping those less fortunate. We will gather the toys that she doesn’t play with and books that she doesn’t read for donation.  We will also go get some new toys, clothes, and books that she will get to pick out for other boys and girls.  There are some great organizations that will accept gently used toys, books, and clothes for kids. 

12/13: Ice Age Christmas: Let Skrat the Squirrel make your Monday better!  This 23 minute short is perfect to laugh and decompress a bit as a family on a Monday evening.  This movie will be paired (like a fine wine) with popsicles.

12/14: Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas: Like the first version, this one is a little on the longer side for a week night at 1 hour and 11 minutes. But that just gives us more time to enjoy leftover Mickey-shaped cookies!

My name is Sarah Niswender and I have WDW in my veins, going to the parks several times per year as early as age 2. Growing up in SoFla I was fortunate enough to have a lifelong Disney education, thanks to my mother (and hardworking father)! I am now passing the love for everything Disney along to my daughter and somewhat reluctant husband. I have participated in several runDisney events and am looking forward to participating as a part of the WDWRadio running team. See you on Main Street USA!

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