Aerial View of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Dual-Racing Coasters
Universal is currently working on a new theme park. Twitter user Bioreconstruct recently shared a look at the Epic Universe Dual-Racing coasters coming to the new park.
Epic Universe will be a new theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort and is set to open in 2025. We know there will for sure be a Super Nintendo Land at the park. Other rumored lands include “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Classic Monsters, and a third Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Bioreconstruct recently shared more aerial pictures of the dual-racing coaster that is coming to the new theme park.
Aerial overview of track so far in the dual-racing coaster in Universal's Epic Universe.
More track has been installed for the coaster. The tracks cross over each other several times. Not all of the track has been installed, however. The tracks at either end of the building in the center of the photo above will eventually be connected.
Aerial look at the most recently placed track in the dual-racing coaster in Universal's Epic Universe. Trains enter this area from right. Directly from a launch up the steep hills. pic.twitter.com/WAbIB3aiNf
Just looking at this coaster, it seems that Epic Universe will live up to its name. What do you think of this dual-racing coaster?
Want to visit the Universal Orlando Resort? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation.
Halle Bailey Talks Racist Backlash and Her Version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid Live-Action Movie. In a new interview following the release of a brand new teaser trailer, in which we see Ursula for the first time, Halle Bailey the actress and singer gave a candid interview with The Face. Not only does she open up about ignoring the online comments section, but she also talks about how important it was to see and hear the love she received knowing others can look up at the screen and see themselves reflected.
The singer and actor said that the backlash that arose when news broke of her being cast as mermaid Ariel — and again when thefirst glimpse of her in the role was revealed last fall — was not surprising. “As a Black person, you just expect it and it’s not really a shock anymore,” the Grammy nominee said. “People don’t understand that when you’re Black there’s this whole other community,” she shared. “It’s so important for us to see ourselves.”
Things were not all bad though, Ms. Bailey also mentioned that after the teaser dropped, when parents started sharing videos of their Black daughters marveling at Bailey as Ariel, she stared at them “in disbelief.” “It makes me feel more grateful for where I am,” she said.
She also went on to describe the newest version of The Little Mermaid and how it differs from the original Disney Animated Movie that started the Disney renaissance.
Halle Bailey Talks Racist Backlash and Her Version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid Live-Action Movie
“What’s beautiful about this version of The Little Mermaid is that it’s a lot more modern,” says Halle. Although the original film featured Part of Your World, a quietly defiant ballad about “Bright young women sick of swimmin’ /Ready to stand”, the overarching message wasn’t exactly what you’d call feminist. Ariel literally relinquishes her voice and drastically changes her body for the man of her dreams.
“When we saw it, when we were younger, she gave up everything for the guy. But I don’t think [that] reflects modern women today. So [now] it’s more about Ariel finding freedom for herself because of this world that she’s obsessed with.” Prince Eric, the handsome shipwrecked human for whom she gives it all up, “is a cherry on top. But it’s not all about him.”
Will the Light & Power Company Construction Be Complete before Tron Opening? Last August the exit to Space Mountain, which also served as the gift shop, closed and was initially thought to be reopening last November, instead the work was extended. Most likely to coincide with the opening of Tron Lightcycle/ Run at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Work continues on the building, with most of the work happening on the inside now. They did add an exit to the back of the building and have updated the outside. With some doorway work still being finished.
You can see the Tron Lightcycle initial concept art below which shows Tomorrowland Light & Power Co as part of the overall theme. So it is easy to guess this will become both the exit for Space Mountain and the Gift shop for both SM and Tron Coaster.
Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Shop and arcade at the exit to Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World; opened as part of the new Tomorrowland on February 1, 1995.
Will the Light & Power Company Construction Be Complete before Tron Opening
Eric Stonestreet Joins the Cast of Disney’s The Santa Clauses
The former Modern Family Star Eric Stonestreet is headed to the North Pole to join the Merry Cast of the Disney+ Series ‘The Santa Clauses.’
Disney+ announced today that Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) will join the cast of the Disney+ Original series “The Santa Clauses” as Mad Santa. The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and is now in production on its second season. Season one of “The Santa Clauses,” which debuted Nov. 16, 2022, was a Top 5 most-watched original series on Disney+ by hour streamed during its Season’s Streaming campaign (Nov. 3-Dec. 31).
In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
Eric Stonestreet stars as Magnus Antas (aka the Mad Santa), who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin and reclaim the North Pole.
Disney Legend Tim Allen will executive produce and continue to reprise the beloved role of Santa/Scott Calvin. Also returning as series regulars in season two are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra Calvin Claus, Austin Kane as Cal Calvin Claus, and Devin Bright as Santa’s elf bestie Noel.
Matilda Lawler will reprise her role of Santa’s chief of staff, Betty, as a recurring guest star. Additional guest stars include newcomer Marta Kessler as Olga, a surly, take-no-prisoners gnome who doesn’t understand “feelings” and “empathy” and sidekick to Magnus Antas, aka The Mad Santa, along with returning guest stars Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch.
Alongside Allen, award-winning Jack Burditt (“30 Rock,” “Modern Family,” “Frasier,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) will continue as executive producer and showrunner. Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker (“Last Man Standing,” “The Santa Clause,” “The Santa Clause 2”) and Rick Messina (“Last Man Standing,” “The Santa Clause,” “The Santa Clause 2”) will serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.
About Eric Stonestreet
Eric Stonestreet is best known for his beloved role as Cameron Tucker on ABC’s comedy series “Modern Family,” for which he earned two Emmy Awards in the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category, in 2010 and 2012. Stonestreet also garnered a 2011 Emmy Nomination, Golden Globe Nominations in 2011, 2012 and 2013, Screen Actors Guild Nominations in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and a TCA Award nomination for his portrayal.
Last year, Stonestreet could be seen as the host of Fox’s reality competition series “Domino Masters,” alongside celebrity judges Danica McKellar, Vernon Davis and Steven Price. Currently, he can be seen as a guest star in the critically acclaimed NBC comedy “American Auto.” On the big screen, Stonestreet has appeared in films including “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” The Loft,” “Identity Thief” and “Bad Teacher,” among others.
New Lord of the Rings Movies in Development from Warner Brothers. Amazon Prime made a huge investment in the new “Rings of Power” Lord of the Rings episodic series, and it paid off for them with great reviews and a large audience. This came from the success that was the Peter Jackson version of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit feature films. Now it looks like we may be stepping back into Middle Earth.
Warner Bros. is officially headed back to Middle-earth. On Thursday, during the Warner Bros. Discovery quarterly earnings call, company CEO David Zaslav revealed that a new deal is in place to make more Lord of the Rings movies at the studio. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Discovery and New Line have entered into a multi-year deal with Embracer Group AB, which currently holds the film rights as of last year. The studio already has an animated film based on the franchise, The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, which is set to be released in theaters in 2024.
The multiyear pact withrights holders Embracer Group AB allows Warners to develop features based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit. Embracer Group, the Swedish gaming company, acquired the rights to produce LOTR films, games, merchandise, theme park attractions and live productions when it purchased rights holder Middle-earth Enterprises last year from The Saul Zaentz Company.
Space Mountain Undergoing Major Changes at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. From a new paint job to cleaning the roof, replacing the flooring, and adding sparkles to the queue, plus work on the antenna tower that sits atop Space Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. We are seeing a ton of work on this classic ride prior to the opening of Tron Lightcycle/ Run.
Previously we wrote about the new flooring being installed in the queue. Disney is replacing the rugs and the old flooring with new starry-looking black slip-resistant floors. The gift shop and Exit are also still being worked on.
Now we are seeing work being done on the outside of the classic attraction. With Cast members cleaning the huge white roof, and antenna tower work. The sides of the outside are also being repainted. The blue color has been replaced with a tan color, no idea if this is a primer and the blue will return or if this is the new color.
Blast off on a rip-roaring rocket into the furthest reaches of outer space on this roller-coaster ride in the dark.
Zoom Through the Galaxy
Dip and careen into the inky blackness as a futuristic soundtrack echoes all around you. Fly past shooting stars and celestial satellites. Roar past streaking orbs of light, wayward comets and migrant meteors. Feel the pull of gravity as you’re drawn into a swirling wormhole!
Dollywood’s 2023 season has been called one of its biggest ever, and with two massive projects continuing toward their respective finish lines, guests soon will understand why it’s a monumental year for the famous Smoky Mountain family destination.
Media were invited to tour both construction sites—the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort—during the annual media construction tour on Wednesday. Both sites represent the first two major projects in the $500 million expansion plans announced by Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton in June 2021.
“Over the last several years, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has elevated into the upper tier of theme park destinations in the country,” Naughton explained. “Just last season, we were named the #1 theme park in the United States by Tripadvisor based on actual reviews of guests who enjoyed time at our properties. With this increased attention comes even more guests whom we find are more frequently considering alternative destinations outside of the traditional family vacation spots that have been popular for several years.
“We offer a truly different experience at Dollywood. When you combine what we offer here along with the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the most visited national park in the country, by the way— we’re poised for record growth over the next several years. Big Bear Mountain and HeartSong Lodge & Resort allow us to take care of our guests in a way only we can.”
Big Bear Mountain adds to Dollywood’s impressive portfolio of world-class roller coasters. At $25 million, the ride is the most significant single attraction investment ever at Dollywood, while its 3,990 ft. length makes it the longest roller coaster at the park. Guests on Big Bear Mountain board highly-detailed ride vehicles—which resemble four-wheel-drive SUVs—for an unforgettable expedition in search of the elusive “Big Bear” in the hills just beyond Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove. Wildwood Grove has been named the Best Kids’ Area in the industry since its debut in 2019. With the addition of Big Bear Mountain, the award-winning area grows even more extensively.
At a little more than ¾-mile long, Big Bear Mountain provides Dollywood guests with plenty of thrilling moments, including three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall. Big Bear Mountain features a 39” height requirement and takes guests to a top speed of 48 mph. Officials today released reverse point-of-view footage of the ride to media.
“Big Bear Mountain is a game changer for us,” Naughton said. “First, it’s the longest attraction that we’ve ever built. Next, it features on-board audio that brings the terrific theming to life. Additionally, its height requirement means we’ll be able to bring even the youngest adventurers along for all the fun. That’s what is important to us; every family member can enjoy a thrilling ride together, and for many younger riders, it will be their first big roller coaster. It’s an important milestone for so many kids, and we’re proud they’ll be able to say it happened at Dollywood.”
Before visiting Dollywood theme park, the media contingent had the opportunity to tour the newest property in the company’s growing hospitality program, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. The resort is set to open this fall, and with its location in the rolling foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, it provides a space of awe and inspiration for guests thanks to thoughtful details that await around every turn.
From spacious accommodations to well-planned amenities, guests can enjoy a variety of spaces to recharge and relax within the 302-room lodge. Media were able to see the welcoming atrium—which features four-story, lantern-inspired windows—the two-story HeartSong Event Center, as well as a handful of guest rooms. Many of the rooms feature balconies that provide sweeping views of the resort’s vast property, as well as the surrounding beauty of the Smokies. HeartSong Lodge & Resort is the perfect complement to Dollywood’s first-in-class resort property, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
“Our DreamMore Resort and Spa has been voted the number one theme park resort three times since 2018 (2018, 2021, 2022),” noted Naughton. “Our guests tell us that DreamMore is the best resort in our industry. We’re taking what we’ve learned there and applying it to the experience of HeartSong. While each will offer its unique take on what Dollywood lodging provides our guests, one thing is for certain, both resorts will offer a level of detail and attentiveness that will continue to put them both at the forefront of the industry.”
If growing Dollywood Parks & Resorts with a thrilling new roller coaster and a world-class resort isn’t enough to prove 2023 is the biggest season ever, the park operating calendar grows this year with an additional 21 days of operation as compared to the 2022 calendar.
Also new in 2023, guests will be able to celebrate what has arguably become one of Dolly Parton’s biggest hits, “I Will Always Love You.” To observe the 50th anniversary of the writing of this monumental song, the I Will Always Love You Celebration takes place March 11-April 8, kicking off the season with a festive event commemorating the art of songwriting and the stories behind the songs.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 21-June 11) blooms bright with vivid, larger-than-life flower sculptures that feature more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. In addition, Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities with a menu full of delicacies that highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.
Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show has become a guest highlight. It again takes to the skies above Dollywood in 2023 as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17-August 6). Another favorite—”Gazillion Bubble Show Aurora”—returns to deliver mesmerizing excitement to guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 20-Oct. 30) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 4- Jan. 6, 2024)—concludes the park’s 2023 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
Dollywood’s 2023 season is so big that guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all the fun! While Dollywood Diamond Season Passes have sold out for 2023, Gold and Silver Season Passes still are available and provide great options for every guest. The popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free season-long admission to any child born in 2018 or 2019.
The Gold Pass represents a tremendous value for guests thanks to Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, a one-day unlimited refill mug per pass, and discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging. Both Diamond and Gold passholders also receive access to special “Golden Events,” exclusive events and activities just for them. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.
Gold and Diamond passholders also can take advantage of another great perk; daily “Golden Hours.” During the first hour of every operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes operate just like TimeSaver passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include two Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging.
For more information about Dollywood’s BIG 2023 season or to learn more about why this is the best year ever for a Dollywood season pass, please visit Dollywood.com.
Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers Greeting Guests in Hollywood Studios. By now you probably know of our love of character meet and greets at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. If you haven’t figured that out, then I have failed you! Seriously though, when new character meet and greets happen we are there waiting in line. As was the case when Disney brought back Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been the place to be for new character meet and greets. With the return of Frozone, Edna Mode, and The Incredibles. New characters have arrived like Powerline Max, which shocked us all. Now you can see Chip ‘n Dale over by the exit of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.
Chip ‘n Dale is listed on the myDisney App so they should be around for a little while. During this time, it appears Donald and Daisy are meeting and greeting in the Chinese Theater Courtyard, where Chip ‘n Dale use to be.
One of the best ways to see Disney Characters is to make reservations at a restaurant with Character Dining. Character Dining meals are very popular, so book your reservations early!
Splash Mountain Demolition Focuses on Track Removal as Scaffolding Goes Up. We have witnessed two sides of Disney’s Construction in the past few years. The first side would be them taking 5 years to complete Tron Lightcycle/ Run, it felt like it took forever for the ride to be finished. The second is how unbelievably fast Disney can be to remove and refurbish an attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is due to open sometime in the year 2024, but before the crews work on the new attraction that took over Splash Mountain, they need to get rid of the old ride. Deconstruction of Splash continues with the removal of some focal points like the birdhouses are gone, the grass is removed from the facade, and scaffolding has been put up everywhere.
Along with all that going on, the tracks are being removed to make way for brand-new tracks that will be laid. We have no idea what they are doing inside the Salt Dome, but we have been told the place has been gutted. Also, there is some new giant holes in the facade at the bottom of the old mountain.
We’re getting closer to going down the bayou with Tiana and friends as progress continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Since the attraction was announced in 2020, Imagineers have been hard at work designing an immersive experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog” and the heart and culture of New Orleans.
In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.
Here you’ll find Louis, who explains where this amazing music is coming from. Tiana made some new friends out here – a band full of adorable critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, a turtle, and others. The band members sing and play instruments made of natural materials they found in the bayou. It feels like they may have a bigger role to play in this story … but we’ll just have to wait and see on that one.
Everything you need to Know About the 2023 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival The 2023 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is almost here! The festival runs from March 1 through July 5 and features brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, lively entertainment, and more. Take a look at everything you need to know about this year’s festival.
Magic Happens Parade Returns to Disneyland The Magic Happens parade has returned to Disneyland! The parade debuted in 2020 just days before the pandemic shut down the parks. We’re so excited to see the parade back at Disneyland!
Disney No Longer Accepting Room Keys for Purchases in Disneyland
Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels will no longer be able to use room keys for purchases at Disneyland. If they want to charge purchases to their room, they’ll have to use the Disneyland app.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28, Guests wishing to charge items to their room at participating Merchandise or Food & Beverage locations must use the Disneyland app. Hotel room keys will no longer be accepted as a way to charge to the room.
In order to access the Charge to Room option, Guests must first link their hotel reservation in the Disneyland app.
From the My Hotel Reservation screen, Guests can select “Charge to Hotel Room” to pull up a barcode participating locations can scan.
When staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, have you ever charged purchases to your room?
If you’d like to experience the magic of Disneyland, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes Celebrates the Silver Anniversary at Sea
The Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary celebration is happening this year! As part of the celebration, you can enter a sweepstakes to win one of three cruises.
Now through March 22, 2023, you can enter the Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three grand prizes for you and up to three guests to be part of the Silver Anniversary at Sea.
Three grand prizes, each for up to 4 persons:
One 7-night cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy
One 5-night cruise from Miami on the Disney Dream or Disney Magic
One 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wish
Plus, get ready to enjoy everything else that makes a Disney cruise vacation special—playing the day away with some favorite Disney Characters, marveling at shows, relaxing in adult-exclusive spaces or adventuring into incredible kids’ clubs—all on your way to dazzling destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas including a stop at our private island paradise, Castaway Cay.
If you’d like to plan your next Disney cruise, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free. I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
