Light Up The Season with D23!

`Tis the season for celebrating Light Up The Season at Disney Studios, Burbank on Sunday, December 8th.  This is the annual event with the Disney membership club, D23, check out: https://d23.com.  There was some rain while guests were patiently waiting in a studio building.  Then, everyone was taken next to the Mixed-ish building when the event started.  I was told the places to go were the stores, a line already started at the Employee Center, and I instead went to the Studio Store.  They offered some usual Disney merch, but I did pick up the hardcover One Day at Disney since the authors would be signing.  Next, there was a lane of tented retailers with some fun items.  One tent had free hot chocolate which was very much needed at the end of the cold night!  The next area was Springfield, of course brought in with the Fox purchase, and there was a photo op with Homer and Marge carrying baby Maggie.  There were rows of tents with free carnival-type games and free popcorn.  It was fun to play games and strangely, the most difficult games were winnable.  At the Disney Legends plaza, was the Santa Paws Lane Pet Adoption with many adorable dogs.  I will say that the husky walked up to my hand and it was bonding time.  The TDA, Michael D. Eisner Building, featured statues of the Seven Dwarfs with Dopey sporting a Santa hat.  

Seasons greetings from Santa Goofy, photo by the author.

At the lobby, there was a chance to meet Santa Goofy, complete with giant, comfy chair and Christmas tree.  Next to the Buena Vista Holiday Park was the Christmas tree photo op.  Of course, by that time, I was hungry and went to the Commissary.  The event offered $6 off at the Commissary.  The most delicious item was Walt’s Chili, it was very heart with black and pinto beans.  It was interesting to see cast members, Nontra Null, who works in product development, she pointed out that all of the shirts and other merch in the Studio Store she worked on!, also Leah Buono who is Executive Director of Casting for Disney Channel, So the last part of the night was the hours long line to the Employee Center.  I stopped in at Studio 2 which featured Disney VoluntEars Holidays.  There I donated some toys to the fine Marines for Toys for Tots.  There was a carousel, singers, and some photo ops including a chance to be a Marvel Superheroes action figure!  Remember to donate a toy or make a donation at: https://www.toysfortots.org.  The Employee Center was full of shopping opportunities since I was reminded by a cast member that the items could only be found there.  This includes an exclusive Rise of Skywalker pin and shirts, Marvel, and Lucasfilm sweatshirts and caps.  I hope everyone takes the time to give a little these holidays!  

Springfield Carnival at Disney Studios, photo by the author.

#LightUpTheSeason, #D23, #TheSimpsons, #SantaGoofy