Let’s Go There

Jennie Underwood
September 17, 2020

Let's Go There! Planning a trip can boost your happiness.

Here’s some news we can all use: new research shows that even the simple act of planning a vacation can boost your happiness and even increase your energy levels.

The recent survey, from researcher Michelle Gielan, showed that 97 percent of respondents reported having a trip planned makes them happier. Seventy-one percent of respondents felt greater levels of energy when they had a trip planned in the next six months.

These findings were released as part of a new travel industry-wide initiative called “Let’s Go There.” The effort, coordinated by the U.S. Travel Association, brings together major airlines, hoteliers, local destinations and other businesses part of the travel ecosystem. Disney is proud to support this initiative, which aims to spark conversation about future getaways and encourage travel planning.

“The memories and experiences that travel enables cannot be replaced,” said Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and a co-chair of the Let’s Go There Coalition. “This campaign is a first step in inspiring Americans to think about planning a vacation, and encouraging them to look forward to experiencing the wonder and joy—and even magic—that only travel can offer.”

Given the benefits to planning travel, it might be the right time for you to start thinking about planning your next Disney vacation.

Fall fun is happening at the Magic Kingdom from now until October 31

From September 15 to October 31 you are sure to “fall” in love with Magic Kingdom Park all over again. You can soak in the aura of autumn with Main Street, U.S.A. dressed in fall décor and other seasonal offerings.

Of course, Halloween is THE fall holiday, and there will be some bewitching surprises this year, including a special Halloween-themed cavalcade with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and pals wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You may even spot those rascally chipmunks, Chip ‘n’ Dale, in costume over in Frontierland, and look for other Disney character friends dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

And speaking of costumes, you will want to get yours ready! To bring some Halloween party fun into the park this year, for the first time guests of all ages can wear their funniest, Disney-ist, most creative costumes during Magic Kingdom regular operating hours from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old are permitted to wear costume masks. In addition, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit.

Autumn at Walt Disney World Resort wouldn’t be complete without our popular fall treats, such as the famous Pumpkin-spiced Waffle Sundae at Magic Kingdom. Festive Halloween-themed merchandise will be available in select locations around the park. Featured items include a new spirit jersey, Loungefly backpack and candy-swirl Minnie Mouse headband, along with a selection of apparel inspired by Disney Villains and more.

The Holidays arrive November 6th at the Walt Disney World Resort ®

We know how much we all love the holidays, so from Nov. 6-Dec. 30, you will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all.

You will be delighted by flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom Park will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest. Gingerbread Men? Check! Elves and Reindeer? Check, check! And the Toy Soldiers will join the Main Street Philharmonic as they march through Magic Kingdom Park, bringing musical holiday cheer for all to hear.

When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for your photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. We know these experiences are a cherished part of holiday traditions that will be missed but the holiday magic will still be a part of your vacation, just in other creative and new ways.

Once again, you will be able to craft your own lightsaber inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Beginning Sept. 20, the Gatherers will invite guests into Savi’s Workshop in Black Spire Outpost to train them in the ways of constructing a lightsaber.

Savi’s Workshop is packed with unusual parts and whimsical pieces collected from the far reaches of the galaxy. Under the mystical Gatherers’ guidance, guests construct a one-of-a-kind lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of a kyber crystal. They can build their lightsaber along one of the following themes:

Peace and Justice– Utilize salvaged scraps of fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships in Republic-era lightsaber designs that honor the galaxy’s former guardians.
Power and Control– Originally forged by warriors from the dark side, objects used in this lightsaber style are rumored remnants from the Sith home world and abandoned temples.
Elemental Nature– Craft a lightsaber from special components born from the Force, such as Brylark trees, Cartusion whale bones or Rancor teeth.
Protection and Defense– Incorporate hilt materials bearing mysterious motifs and inscriptions that reconnect a lightsaber’s wielder with the ancient wellspring of the Force.

Those who may have visited the shop in the past will notice the experience will be slightly adjusted. For instance, capacity will be reduced to allow for physical distancing between guests in accordance with the park’s guidelines during its phased reopening.

Advanced reservations (highly recommended) for Savi’s Workshop will open Sept. 16 via Disneyworld.com or the My Disney Experience mobile app. Guests can also stop by the shop to check for walk-up availability on the day of their visit. Guests must have a valid Disney Parks Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to making a reservation for Savi’s Workshop.