Disney News

Thanks to the help of some Disney magic, Tinker Bell will debut a new ice skating experience in the Downtown Disney® District next week at the Disneyland® Resort. Located between AMC® 12 Theatres and the ESPN Zone, the rink allows guests to skate in the world of Tinker Bell with special music and lighting effects. And in November, a special holiday village will be added by the rink to provide guests with a selection of seasonal foods and merchandise.

The rink opens Oct. 23 and is available to guests of all ages through the holiday season. Skates will be available to rent. Helmets will be provided and required for the safety of all guests.

Guests who visited the Magic Kingdom® Park this past weekend received an extra surprise when they were treated to a “dress rehearsal” for the Enchanted Forest of the New Fantasyland® Area. Guests were able to experience the Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid Attraction, take part in Enchanted Tales with Belle, and meet and greet everyone’s favorite mermaid inside Ariel’s Grotto. Although Be Our Guest Restaurant wasn’t serving food, guests were permitted to go inside and look around.

While Enchanted Forest remained open all weekend long, it is unclear how often these “Dress Rehearsals” will happen between now and the scheduled soft opening date on Nov. 19. Special previews will be held starting Oct. 20 – Nov. 11 for registered parties of select groups, including Cast Members, Annual Passholders, D23 Members, and DVC Members.

The AMC® Downtown Disney 24 at the Walt Disney World® Resort and the AMC® 12 Theatres at the Disneyland® Resort have begun offering Sensory Friendly Films to guests once per month. These special showings provide families affected by autism an opportunity to enjoy a movie in a safe and accepting environment. Theatres during these special showings will keep the lights up and will turn down the sound. Parents are encouraged to allow their child to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing during the film.

AMC® has proudly partnered with the Autism Society to bring these special matinees to many of their theatres across the country for the families of the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder to enjoy. Upcoming Sensory Friendly Screenings include Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph on Nov. 10 and Rise of the Guardians on Dec. 8. All shows begin at 10am local time. Dates and films are subject to change.