Disney World Loads Up March with TONS of Bonus Annual Passholder Reservations. Disney answers the question “What is a Bonus Reservation?” this way Bonus reservations may be added from time to time, allowing Annual Passholders to make extra reservations on select days at select theme parks. Bonus reservations do not count as a reservation hold.
Previously we have had a chance to get Bonus Reservations for a few days at a time, but we never have seen nine days in a row of them. Disney Annual Passholders can now get Bonus Reservations up to March 10th, 2023.
Of course, it is the normal Epcot, due to the opening of the Flower & Garden Festival, but Disney has added a second park to each day. So, yes, you can get a Bonus to Magic Kingdom for a few days, Hollywood Studios for others, or if you feel wild Animal Kingdom. We looked at every Gold Star day and Epcot is available the whole time, the second park bonus is what changes.
So enjoy some bonus days this week folks. Might mean low crowds are expected.
Disney World Loads Up March with TONS of Bonus Annual Passholder Reservations
Annual Passes allow you to enjoy the magic all year long. Now is the time to answer the call and discover all the possibilities a Walt Disney World Annual Pass can bring.
Annual Passes are subject to the Walt Disney World® Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions. To enter a theme park, each passholder must have a theme park reservation in addition to a valid pass. Park reservations are limited and are subject to availability and applicable pass blackout dates.
New sales of select Annual Passes are currently paused. Please check disneyworld.com/pass for the latest updates.
New The Mandalorian CASETiFY Collection Launching On March 14th!
Celebrate the release of The Mandalorian Season 3 on Disney Plus with the new The Mandalorian CASETiFY collection that will be available on March 14th! It features plenty of different designs and tech accessories, take a look:
You can shop Beskar Steel inspired levels of protections with designs featuring references from the show such as its iconic logo, The Mandalorian and Bo-Katan helmets, Grogu and a limited edition Beskar Ingot case made with laser-engraved metal plate mimicking one of the most coveted materials in the galaxy!
The collection will offer more than just phone cases with AirPod cases, chargers, apple watch bands, MagSafe wallets, iPad and MacBook cases. So you can join the force in any way you like!
So mark your calendars and get your favorite pieces on March 14th at Casetify.com.
New Vera Bradley Disney100 Classics Collection Filled With Nostalgia And Magic!
This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company! Join the celebration with this new Vera Bradley Disney100 Classics Collection filled with nostalgia and beloved Disney characters like Alice, Snow White, Winnie the Pooh and more.
The collection features all types of items like backpacks, duffles, wristlets, tumblers, apparel and much more, take a look and get your your favorite items here!
If you love to travel, weekend gateways or just big bag with lots of room these backpacks, duffles and tote bags with an all over pattern of flowers and leaves plus beloved characters like Alice, Pooh, White Rabbit, Bambi, Snow White and many more.
There are also smaller bags available like a crossbody or bucket bag, even a tote bag perfect to use when you go shopping!
If you are looking for something even more practical, the collection also features a wallet, id case, mini pouch and wristlet with the same magical pattern.
There are also plenty of accessories like a an umbrella, tumbler, keychain, beach towel, blanket and pill case! We need everything!
You can also take the magic to the kitchen with an apron, kitchen towels and pot holder and oven mitt set. Cooking will definitely be extra special.
Another part of the collection is inspired in Snow White, the original princess and first full length animated film of The Walt Disney Company. Every piece is black with Snow White, floral details and adorable forest creatures like birds and bunnies.
A backpack, tote bag, wristlet, cosmetic bag and socks are available with this design, so pretty!
If you prefer apparel, the collection released a super comfy and nostalgic t-shirt plus shorts and joggers with the main all over pattern of this collection.
You can get this full collection at VeraBradley.com and shopDisney.com!
Blizzard Beach, which just re-opened to guests after a lengthy refurb in November 2022, will close again for refurbishment on March 19, 2023.
Sad news fellow Disney water park fans: we will not have two water parks to enjoy later this month. Blizzard Beach will be closing for a refurbishment on March 19 to coincide with the re-opening of Typhoon Lagoon.
We do not yet know the exact duration of the closure. I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes of a short refurb so we can still have both water parks available for the summer months, especially considering the duration of the previous refurb that just ended 4 months ago.
While the water parks have not been open together recently, they were previously both open for peak spring/summer season prior to the COVID-19-related closures.
Ready for that next magical vacation and check out the Disney Water Parks for yourself? Contact me today so we can begin planning! As an agent with Destinations To Travel, my services are provided at no additional charge when you book your vacation package through me.
Guests of the Universal Orland Resort Hotels can enjoy specialty Mardi Gras offerings through April 16.
Mardi Gras is a grand celebration at Universal Orlando, with Universal Studios featuring fan-favorite parades and themed food throughout the parks. Universal Orland Resort Hotels are getting in on the fun as well, by inviting guests to stay and savor the flavors of Mardis Gras via specialty food and beverage offerings from now through April 16.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel guests can enjoy offerings like Cajun Jambalaya Pasta and Masquerade Cannoli at Trattoria del Porto, the Boulevardier specialty cocktail at The Thirsty Fish, and the Mojito Lemonade specialty cocktail at Splendido Bar & Grill.
Guests of the Hard Rock Hotel can head over to The Kitchen, which features Bourbon Street Beignets and the French 75 specialty cocktail, Velvet Bar which features N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders and the French 75, and the beach club to enjoy a Hurricane cocktail.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort guests can check out the King Cake Pancakes at the Island Dining Room, the Orchid specialty cocktail at Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar, and the Chocolate Bomb dessert at Tuk Tuk Market.
Guests of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will want to head to Amatista Cookhouse for the Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie, Strong Water Tavern for the Cucumber Hurricane Twist, and New Dutch Trading Co. for the Traditional King Cake.
Offerings at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort include the Shrimp Po’ Boy with Zapps Chips and Laissez les bons temps Rouler Hurricane at the Galaxy Bowl.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel features a Crawfish Etouffee at Bar 17 Bistro, a Muffuletta Sandwich at Urban Pantry, and two cocktails at Bar 17 Bistro & barVentura, the Hurricane and the Sazerac.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice can be found at the Beach Break Café at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn and Suites. This resort is also featuring The Endless Carnaval cocktail at Sand Bar.
Last, but certainly not least, guests of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn and Suites can enjoy New Orleans Cajun Roasted Chicken & Dirty Rice at Pier 8 Market and The Endless Carnaval cocktail at Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar & The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar.
Here is the complete, detailed list of offerings, including descriptions:
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Trattoria del Porto
Cajun Jambalaya Pasta – Shrimp, Smoke Sausage, Chicken, Onions, Peppers, and Mushrooms in a Creole Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta
Masquerade Cannoli – Mixed Berry Insalada
The Thirsty Fish
Boulevardier – Bourbon, Italian Liqueur, Fortified Wine
Splendido Bar & Grill
Mojito Lemonade – Vodka, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Raspberry, Mint
Hard Rock Hotel
The Kitchen
Bourbon Street Beignets – Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar
French 75 – Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Champagne
Velvet Bar
N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders – Smoked Andouille Sausage, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, Cajun Remoulade, Toasted French Bread
French 75 – Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Champagne
beachclub
Hurricane – Rum, Grenadine, Pineapple, and Orange Juice
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Islands Dining Room
King Cake Pancakes – Lemon and Powdered Sugar Glaze, Spiced Walnuts
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
Orchid – Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Violet, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pea Flower Float
Tuk Tuk Market
Chocolate Bomb – Choose from: Chocolate and Caramel with Spiced Pecan with Mardi Gras Purple, Green and Gold Décor, S’mores or Cookies and Cream
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Amatista Cookhouse
Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie – Vegetables and Okra
Shrimp Po’ Boy with Zapps Chips – Crispy Cajun Fried Shrimp on a French Baguette, Topped with Creole-Inspired Creamy Remoulade Sauce
Laissez les bons temps Rouler Hurricane – Light Rum, Rum, Passionfruit Liqueur, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Grenadine; Served in a light-up souvenir Galaxy Bowl tumbler with straw. Refills will be $22 with the cup on Mardi Gras cocktail only.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Bar 17 Bistro
Crawfish Etouffee – Crawfish, Onions, Celery, Bell Peppers, Rice
Urban Pantry
Muffuletta Sandwich – Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Ham, Provolone and Swiss Cheese, Olive Salad
Bar 17 Bistro & barVentura
Hurricane – Dark Rum, Passion Fruit, Tropical Juices
Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar & The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar
The Endless Carnaval – Silver Rum, Spiced Rum, Passionfruit Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Dried Blackberries, Pineapple Wedge, Green Sugar Rim
Ready to check out these Mardi Gras offerings in person? As an agent with Destinations To Travel, my travel planning services are provided at no additional cost when you book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation through me. Contact me so we can begin planning today!
Look Alive, Foolish Mortals, And Behold The Teaser Trailer And Poster For Disney’s Comically Creepy Adventure “Haunted Mansion,” Appearing In Theaters July 28th
Look alive, foolish mortals! We’re dying for you to view our teaser trailer and poster for Disney’s comically creepy adventure “Haunted Mansion,” which will appear in theaters on July 28th.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Simien, the film features an all-star ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.
Director Simien says, “As a lifelong fan of the Haunted Mansion attraction, I’m beyond excited to share the teaser trailer for our new film adaptation featuring an incredible cast. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a scary, funny and cinematic otherworldly adventure for both new and die-hard fans to enjoy! I can’t wait for audiences to experience this big screen version of the iconic Disney attraction.”
Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
New Non-Dairy Butterbeer Comes to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
Guests can now enjoy a vegan version of the fan-favorite Butterbeer beverage in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Available in cold and frozen, the new non-dairy offering features the same delicious taste as the existing, wildly-popular Butterbeer drink – complete with flavors reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread and topped with a vegan-friendly version of the iconic Butterbeer froth.
Universal Orlando guests can purchase vegan, non-dairy Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks restaurant in Hogsmeade and the Leaky Cauldron restaurant in Diagon Alley, and Universal Studios Hollywood guests can purchase the beverage at the Hog’s Head pub in addition to the Three Broomsticks restaurant. Guests can also savor other vegan menu options during their visit to the spectacularly themed lands, including Irish Stew and Shepherd’s Pasty Pie(located at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando), and Mushroom Pie Platter(located at Universal Orlando).
John Stamos ‘If You Would Have Told Me’ Book Due in October. We think we know John Stamos. The beloved actor of television (Full House, ER, General Hospital), film, and Broadway grew up in front of the cameras and drummed his way into our hearts as an honorary Beach Boy.
In a candid memoir slated for release by Henry Holt & Co. on October 24, 2023, readers can peek into the heart of this familiar face. It’s a rollicking insider look at Hollywood, fame, fortune, and failure. It’s a tender treaty on love, friendship, and fatherhood. Throughout it all, Stamos maintains a sense of wonderment captured in the title If You Would Have Told Me.
“Everyone has a book in them. ‘If You Would Have Told Me’ is mine. I honestly didn’t think I had much to share, certainly not enough to fill a book. But, losing one of my best friends, becoming a father, taking a look back at the ups and downs, highs and lows…maybe there is something in my story that people can connect to. There will be laughs, tears, and some fun filler, just like life.
I encourage everyone to write a book, (but read mine first). What I discovered was that I’m here for every hurt and heartbreak because I’m here for every joy. There is a lot more life to live beyond these pages, but so far it’s been one hell of a ride.
Now available for preorder. Thank you to everyone for the early support! You can find more info about the book at the link.”
John Stamos ‘If You Would Have Told Me’ Book Due in October
Dig into an Orange Bird Liege Waffle at Connections Café for the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Springtime is in the air, and you know what that means – the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just around the corner. From March 1 to July 5, 2023, EPCOT will be transformed with flavors, flowers, and fun!
Don’t forget to grab a festival passport to indulge in the returning Garden Graze food stroll featuring 11 tasty treats from various Outdoor Kitchens. Simply get a stamp on your passport after your purchase and once you collect five, you can receive your exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.
Connections Café & Eatery: Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New) $4.19 The flavor is exactly what a liege waffle tastes like. There is no citrus flavor, it just has the orange sprinkles and the Orange Bird chocolate medallion.
Disney News Highlights: Mando and Grogu Hollywood Studios Suprise Visit, Orange Bird Inception Sipper, More Inclusion at Disney World on “it’s a small world” Attraction, Limited Time Oscar Award Season Food and Drink, and first look at Mickey’s Toontown Food.
New Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Available Now! Epcot Flower & Garden Festival merchandise is finally here! Today the festival is kicking off at Epcot in Walt Disney World with amazing topiaries and gardens, delicious eats and sips and of course gorgeous merch inspired in the Orange Bird, Figment and Snow White!
Oscar Food, Photo Ops, and More Coming to Disney Parks The 95th Acadamy Awards will be held at 8 p.m on March 12, 2023. Disney parks is getting in on the Oscars fun with limited edition photo ops and food at both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Celebrate Spring with these Magic Shots at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Spring is in the air and you can celebrate the season with special Magic Shots at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! The following Magic Shots are available at Epcot through July 5, 2023.
Spike the Bee: This Magic Shot is available from most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed around the World Showcase.
Flower Frame: Available from Disney PhotoPass photographers when stationed in the Italy pavilion, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment.
Fairy Wings: Available from most Disney PhotoPass photographers in the park.
Butterflies: Available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer located near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam.
Isabela: Available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer stationed by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment.
Orange Bird: Available from most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in World Celebration locations.
Tiny World: Available from the Disney PhotoPass photographer located near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park.
These new Magic Shots are exclusive to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Which one(s) will you be getting?
Want to experience the Flower & Garden Festival this year? Contact me today to start planning your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Raises Prices
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort returned to buffet dining yesterday. Along with the return of the buffet came new menus and increased pricing.
The dinner buffet at Chef Mickey’s is $62 per adult plus tax and $39 per child plus tax. The dinner menu includes:
Tomato and Rosemary Focaccia
Seasonal-inspired Salads with Ranch Dressing
Carving Station featuring Chef’s Selection
Shrimp and Grits
Roasted Pork
Plant-based Seasonal-inspired Dishes
House-made Macaroni & Cheese
Vegetable Stir Fry Noodles
Grilled and Roasted Vegetables
Classic Favorites for Children
Chef’s selection of Desserts including Warm Apple Crisp
Guests can enjoy the breakfast buffet for $51 per adult plus tax and $33 per child plus tax. The breakfast menu includes:
Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Waffles and French Toast
Corned Beef Hash
Charcuterie and Cheese Boards with accoutrements
Selection of Fruits
Carved Pit Ham and Beef Brisket
Eggs and Frittatas
Classic Favorites for Children
What do you think about the new menus and pricing for Chef Mickey’s?
If you’d like to visit Walt Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
