D23′s Magic and Merriment at Walt Disney World

Join D23 Members from across the country at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the fun and beauty of the season at D23′s annual Magic and Merriment event. This D23 holiday tradition has become so popular we are offering it twice this year!

The first day of our holly jolly happenings begins with a continental breakfast inside World Showplace at Epcot. Then guests enjoy our “Sense of the Holidays” presentations. We explore “sight” courtesy of Disney Imagineer Alex Caruthers and Holiday Décor Manager Lisa Borotkanics, who will show how Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Castaway Cay and even Disney’s newest resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, are transformed for the season. We’ll revel in the “sound” of Disney’s famed Candlelight Processional as Disney archivist Steven Vagnini looks at the history of this Disney Parks Christmas tradition. The sights and sounds of Walt Disney World at Christmastime will be celebrated with a look at 1951′s The Walt Disney Christmas Show with very special guest and Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont (original voice of Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy Darling in Peter Pan). Plus, Walt Disney Imagineering’s Gary Landrum will present a look at the creation of the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite, offering a sneak peek of what guests will get to see the following day! Following “Sense of the Holidays,” guests will be able to meet and greet with the presenters, including Kathryn. And we’ll have a special holiday treat on hand to engage you in the delicious “tastes” and fragrant “aromas” of the season.

Throughout the day, guests are invited to spend the afternoon enjoying the holiday majesty of Epcot at their own pace—including our own private hospitality suite!—before re-joining the group at the America Gardens Theatre at sunset.

As you nestle into your reserved seat, sit back, snuggle up and delight in the splendor of Walt Disney World’s perennial Christmas favorite, Candlelight Processional. This time-honored tradition of classic carols and hymns sung by a choir of hundreds will be narrated by film star Isabella Rossellini (for guests attending December 9) and Broadway and TV star Neil Patrick Harris (for guests attending December 11).

Following this special performance, we will head to the Magic Kingdom to celebrate together at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You’ll also enjoy reserved viewing—along with refreshments—at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.

Day two brings us back to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast at the Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square. From there, D23 Members will enjoy a very “suite” treat—exclusive tours of the stunning Cinderella Castle Dream Suite, high above Fantasyland. The suite is not open to the general public and represents a rare glimpse of a Disney treasure few have seen in person. In addition, throughout the day we will be taking guests backstage behind the Magic Kingdom to explore the Parade Barn, the Holiday Services warehouse, and the Scenic Services warehouse, where many Disney show props, floats, and décor are built and stored.

That afternoon we will reconvene at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where we’ll enjoy the last excursion of the night on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Following a final peek at the African savanna, we’ll head to the Flame Tree Gardens for a private reception with live music and a spectacular view of Expedition Everest. Then it’s off to Camp Minnie-Mickey, decked out in its holiday finest for a sumptuous dinner and dessert.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a D23 event without a few seasonal surprises to commemorate the weekend! Happy holidays from your friends at D23!

Included with the cost of your ticket:

• Continental breakfast at World Showplace (Day one)
• “Sense of the Holidays” presentations with special surprises and meet and greet with guests, including Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont (Day one)
• Access to the hospitality suite in the Norway pavilion (Day one)
• Guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional with Isabella Rossellini (December 9) or Neil Patrick Harris (December 11) (Day one)
• Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Day one)
• Reserved parade viewing with refreshments (Day one)
• Breakfast inside the Columbia Harbor House (Day two)
• Tour of the Cinderella Castle Dream Suite (Day two; Sign up on day one)
• Backstage tour of the Holiday Services warehouse, Scenic Services warehouse, and Parade Barn (Day two)
• Final ride of the night on Kilimanjaro Safaris (Day two)
• Reception at Flame Tree Gardens with live entertainment (Day two)
• Dinner and dessert at Camp Minnie-Mickey (Day two)
• Special gift for all guests from your friends at D23!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, December 9
9:00-10:00 a.m.: Registration at East Hall World Showplace—Continental Breakfast
10:00-1:00 p.m.: “Sense of the Holidays” Presentations in World Showplace
1:00-4:30 p.m.: Hospitality Suite available in Norway Pavilion
1:00-4:15 p.m.: Free time to enjoy Holidays Around the World at Epcot
4:15 p.m.: Guests arrive at American Gardens Theatre for seating
5:00-5:45 p.m: Reserved Seating for Candlelight Processional
6:00 p.m.: Guests make their way to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
8:15 p.m.: Reserved section for parade viewing with refreshments

Saturday, December 10
8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast at Columbia Harbour House
9:00-3:00 p.m.: Cinderella Castle Suite Tours

Group 1
10:00 a.m.: Guests take bus from Tomorrowland back to Creative Services
10:00-12:00 p.m.: Tour of Creative Services backstage (Holiday services with Lisa Borotkanics, Scenic Services with Patrick Logan, Parade Barn with Angela Bowles)
12:00-4:00 p.m.: Free time for Cinderella Castle Suite Tour and to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Group 2
12:00 p.m.: Guests take bus from Tomorrowland back to Creative Services
12:00-2:00 p.m.: Tour of Creative Services backstage (Holiday services with Lisa Borotkanics, Scenic Services with Patrick Logan, Parade Barn with Angela Bowles
2:00-4:00 p.m.: Free time for Cinderella Castle Suite Tour and to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

4:00 p.m.: Guests meet at front entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
4:00-4:45 p.m.: Walk back to Kilimanjaro Safaris
5:15-7:30 p.m.: Free time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
7:30-8:15 p.m.: Reception at Flame Tree Gardens
8:30-10:30 p.m.: Dinner reception at Camp Minnie-Mickey

Sunday, December 11
9:00-10:00 a.m.: Registration at East Hall World Showplace—Continental Breakfast served
10:00-1:00 p.m.: “Sense of the Holidays” Presentations
1:00-4:40 p.m.: Hospitality Suite available in American Adventure Pavilion
1:00-4:15 p.m.: Free time to enjoy Holidays Around the World at Epcot
4:15 p.m.: Guests arrive at American Gardens Theatre for seating
5:00-5:45 p.m.: Reserved Seating for Candlelight Processional
6:00 p.m.: Guests make their way to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
8:15 p.m.: Reserved section for parade viewing with refreshments

Monday, December 12
8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast at Columbia Harbour House
9:00-3:00 p.m.: Cinderella Castle Suite Tours

Group 1
10:00 a.m.: Guests take bus from Tomorrowland back to Creative Services
10:00-12:00 p.m.: Tour of Creative Services backstage (Holiday services with Lisa Borotkanics, Scenic Services with Patrick Logan, Parade Barn with Angela Bowles)
12:00-4:00 p.m.: Free time for Cinderella Castle Suite Tour and to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Group 2
12:00 p.m.: Guests take bus from Tomorrowland back to Creative Services
12:00-2:00 p.m.: Tour of Creative Services backstage (Holiday services with Lisa Borotkanics, Scenic Services with Patrick Logan, Parade Barn with Angela Bowles)
2:00-4:00 p.m.: Free time for Cinderella Castle Suite Tour and to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

4:00 p.m.: Guests meet at front entrance of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
4:00-4:45 p.m.: Walk back to Kilimanjaro Safaris
5:30-6:15 p.m.: Reception at Flame Tree Gardens
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Dinner reception at Camp Minnie-Mickey

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. The event is being held on two separate dates; D23 Members may only purchase tickets for one of the two dates. Park admission is not included and is required. Please note, guests will be responsible for their own transportation between parks EXCEPT on the second night when buses will be available to drive guests to Downtown Disney and/or the Transportation and Ticket Center following dinner at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Must be over 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. There are a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. If you wish to request for sign language interpreting services for this event or have any dietary restrictions, please submit your request to d23.guestservices@disneystore.com at least two weeks prior to the event date. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.