Marvel’s Moon Girl Meet & Greet Coming to California Adventure

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February 9, 2023

Marvel’s Moon Girl Meet & Greet Coming to California Adventure

Fans of the upcoming Marvel Series ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ series will love this new Character Meet & Greet offering coming to the Disneyland Resort!

For a limited time beginning Feb. 15th at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, you can encounter and interact with Moon Girl from the newest Disney series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” which debuts on Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and Feb. 15 on Disney+. The series follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (aka Moon Girl) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, whom she accidentally brings into present-day New York City. The duo works together to protect the Lower East Side neighborhood in New York City from danger.

When Moon Girl lands in Disney California Adventure park on Feb. 15, guests can catch her in a special one-day-only entertainment celebration, including a cavalcade on Hollywood Blvd, and stage show on the Hollywood Backlot Stage, but don’t worry, she’ll stay around for a little while!

Moon Girl arrives at Disneyland Resort as a part of Celebrate Soulfully: a combination of food, entertainment, and experiences that highlight and celebrate Black stories. Celebrate Soulfully takes place at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort during the month of February and beyond. To learn more about other Celebrate Soulfully offerings click here. 

Tune in to watch “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” on Disney Channel and Disney+ and meet Moon Girl only at Disney California Adventure Park for a limited time. For meet and greet times check the Disneyland app. 

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Merchandise for 2023

By

Joey Tarsan

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February 9, 2023

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Merchandise

Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras International Flavor of Carnaval Merchandise has hit the shelves and we stopped by to check it all out.

The new 2023 merchandise is as colorful and fun as Mardi Gras itself. We spotted everything from apparel and hats to bags and blankets.

Before we ever entered the park we stopped at the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk where we spotted a selection of Mardi Gras merch before even entering the store.

While they had quite a bit of merch if you really want to see a full selection we suggest you head into Universal Studios Theme Park and check out the newly relocated Tribute Store. The Tribute Store changes its decor based on the holiday or events taking place in the park and they do a really great job with the theming.

Mardi Gras 2023 Apparel

From adult’s and kids’ t-shirts to hoodies and jackets there was much to choose from. They even have a Mardi Gras-themed Spirit Jersey. I love the matching couple’s King and Queen shirts.

Mardi Gras 2023 Accessories

We all know Mardi Gras is all about the beads and Universal has plenty of them in all styles and colors. Hats of all styles from funky sequin hats to trucker and baseball cap styles were available. We even spotted a gator hat and a King hat.

They had a big selection of Mardi Gras masks in beautiful styles. I really loved the bag selection. There was a Mardi Gras makeup bag featuring the Mardi Gras Gator. One of the more unique items was a gorgeous carnaval mask-themed handbag.

Mardi Gras 2023 Homegoods

There were lots of items for the home like mugs and shot glasses. Framed artwork, scented candles, and more were also available.

To see more check out our link below.

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I was pretty impressed with the wide assortment of Mardi Gras merchandise. The theme this year was International Flavors of Carnaval and the parade theme was mythical creatures. A lot of the merchandise reflects that fun festive theme.

Have you ever been to Universal Orlando during Mardi Gras? What are your favorite things about the Mardi Gras celebration? Let us know in the comments below.

New Video Game, Disney Illusion Island, Coming to Nintendo Switch on July 28

By

Chris B

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February 9, 2023

Disney Illusion Island, a new video game featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, will be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on July 28, 2023.

We learned of the upcoming release of Disney Illusion Island last fall at the D23 Disney and Marvel Games Showcase. The new game, which will release on July 28, 2023, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, is a 2D adventure game that was developed by Disney Games in collaboration with Dlala Studios.

The game, which officially releases in July but is available for pre-order today, will allow players to play solo or team up via local co-ops to travel to various locations across the beautiful yet mysterious Island of Monoth. The goal of the game is to find three magical books that serve as protectors of the island. The game features unique team skills such as Rope Drop, Leap Frog, and a heart health gifting Hug and will ask players to run, swim, swing, and jump across the island as they set out on their adventure.

Pre-orders are available now via the Nintendo eShop. Check out the YouTube video below for more information on the game!

Looking to plan a trip to a Disney or Universal destination? Let me take the stress off of travel planning. As a travel advisor with Destinations To Travel, I specialize in Disney and Universal Destinations-and my services are always free when you book your trip through me. Reach out so we can start planning today!

Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro Discuss Adding New Lands to the Disney Theme Parks

By

Chip

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February 9, 2023

Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro Discuss Adding New Lands to the Disney Theme Parks

It was mentioned yesterday in Disney’s First Quarter Earnings call that Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro got together to discuss expansions at the Disney Theme Parks. Now that Tron Lightcycle Run is complete, Moana’s Journey of Water in EPCOT and Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland are about halfway done or more Disney is looking at the future for Disney World and Disneyland Parks.

One of the big items discuss was adding Avatar: The Way of Water to Disneyland. While no details were mentioned Bob did mention wanting to see growth at the Theme Parks and adding a big name like Pandora would accomplish that.

I am sure the LAND expansions discussed between Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro were the Blue Sky Concepts that were mentioned at the D23 Expo this past summer. At the expo, it was announced that Disney was looking to add Coco, Encanto, and Disney Villians to the Magic Kingdom.

Over in the Animal Kingdom, they shared details on adding Zootopia and Moana possible to replace the Dinoland USA area. Keep in mind Blue Sky Concepts are typically just ideas in their very early stages.

If Bob and Josh did get together to discuss adding more franchises to Disney World and Disneyland I would expect they would fall in line with what was mentioned at the D23 Expo.

I expect sometime this year Disney will have some big announcements on expansions at both Disney World and Disneyland. Till then stay tuned to Chip and Company for all the details.

Disney News Round-Up: Disney to Layoff 7000 Cast Members, Disney Parks Attendance Up While Capacity is Kept Low, Frozen 3 and Zootopia Sequels, Avatar Coming to Disneyland

By

Greg Gately

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February 9, 2023

Disney News Round-Up: Disney to Layoff 7000 Cast Members, Disney Parks Attendance Up While Capacity is Kept Low, Frozen 3 and Zootopia Sequels, Avatar Coming to Disneyland. Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers coming permanently to Hollywood Studios, Tiana’s Construction update, Disney +, and more.

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Celebrate The Opening Of Disneyland With The New Disney100 Eras Collection!

By

Ana Leal

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February 8, 2023

Celebrate The Opening Of Disneyland With The New Disney100 Eras Collection!

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating 100 years of wonder and you can join the celebration in style with this new part of the Disney100 Eras Collection inspired in the opening of Disneyland!

DISNEYLAND WOVEN SHIRT AND SHORTS

This matching set of woven shirt and shorts feature a nostalgic collage of vintage Disneyland print media! Is definitely a very vintage style but also unique, so if you love Disney and its history, this set is a must have!

WALT DISNEY’S DISNEYLAND AND TINKERBELL T-SHIRT

The collection also features two shirts, one features a vintage advertising art of Walt Disney’s Disneyland of both the park and the television series on ABC.

The second shirt features the famous opening entrance of the Disney’s TV series and Fantasy in the Sky spectacles featuring Tinkerbell flying over Sleeping Beauty castle, so cute!

WALT DISNEY’S DISNEYLAND HOODIE

Tinkerbell sprinkles pixie dust over this hoodie with a retro design with “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” lettering in puffy white letters and colorful symbols of the different lands in the park.

WALT DISNEY’S DISNEYLAND JOURNAL SET AND COIN PURSE

Document all your adventures with these Walt Disney’s Disneyland journals featuring three different cover designs filled with nostalgia and magic.

There is also a Walt Disney’s Disneyland coin purse in the shape of a retro television, a great addition to yours keys, wristlet or bag!

This collection is amazing and a must have for sure. We can’t wait for the next part of the Disney100 series.

Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Not Filling Up

By

Sara

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February 8, 2023

Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Not Filling Up

The virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot has not been filling up recently. The other evening, boarding groups were still available an hour and a half before park closing. That hasn’t been typical for the new ride.

Guests have two options for riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind-virtual queue or purchase Individual Lightning Lane. The virtual queue can be accessed at 7 am and again at 1 pm. Guests usually have to wait a couple of hours before their boarding group is called.

Typically, boarding groups fill up very fast! However, just a few nights ago boarding groups were still available an hour and a half before Epcot was set to close. Plus, the wait time was estimated at just 50 minutes!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has been open for about eight months now. This decrease in demand is fairly typical about now. We could be getting closer to the ride switching to a standard queue along with the Individual Lightning Lane.

What do you think about the virtual queue not filling up for Cosmic Rewind?

If you’d like to visit Epcot and ride the new Guardians coaster, 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!

All-New Magical Creature Encounter Coming to Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

By

Sara

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February 8, 2023

All-New Magical Creature Encounter Coming to Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

A new magical creature encounter is coming to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. Guests will get to meet magical creatures like Hippogriffs, baby dragons, Pygmy Puffs, and Nifflers this spring!

Coming March 17th, some of your absolute beastly favorites have been let loose in the Hogsmeade section of the theme park. Fans can join Hogwarts students in learning how to approach a Hippogriff politely (with the hope of getting a bow back!) in a brand-new show. You can also expect to meet some smaller friends, from a cheeky Niffler, who has gotten into some Owl Post in search of all things shiny, to an adorable fluffy Pygmy Puff outside Zonko’s Joke Shop to a freshly hatched baby dragon.

Hippogriff Encounter

With a head like an eagle, a body like a horse, sharp claws, and wings covered in scales…Hippogriff, who surprised Hogwarts students as a “strange creature”, is finally here! I will spread my wings in front of you! How to get close to this proud giant creature without offending it? Yes, bow politely! Learn how to interact with the students in the 4th dormitory.

Magical Creatures Encounter

The vibrant village of Hogsmeade is getting even busier these days. Little magical creatures will appear all over the village! In front of the Owl Post, a Nifler is searching the mail in the cart for glittering treasures. In the plaza next to Hogsmeade Station, a creature merchant secretly takes along a baby dragon that has just hatched from an egg. In front of Zonko’s “Mischief Specialty Store,” the fluffy pink Pygmy Puff is crying! They’re all smart and cute, but be careful because unpredictable things can happen. Listen to the stories of the wizards and take pictures with them.

How fun do these magical creature encounters sound?!

We Are Screaming Over This Disney Sweet Treats Loungefly Collection!

By

Ana Leal

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February 8, 2023

We Are Screaming Over This Disney Sweet Treats Loungefly Collection!

Do you love desserts and Disney? Then what better pieces to add to your wardrobe than the ones in this Disney Sweet Treats Loungefly Collection available exclusively on Amazon. You can pre-order them both now, they will be released on March 1st, so not too long of a wait!

The backpack features an ice cream sundae bowl on the front with three different Mickey shaped scoops of ice cream: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry! Our mouths are watering for sure.

The rest of the backpack features a pale blue color, pink/ peach details and bow with a cherry and sprinkles! You can order yours here for $80.

A matching wallet is also available, the design is inspired in a chocolate ice cream cone with sprinkles and a pink bow with a cherry in the middle, so cute! Order yours here for $40.

Attraction Taking Shape for Moana’s Journey of Water in EPCOT

By

Greg Gately

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February 8, 2023

Attraction Taking Shape for Moana’s Journey of Water in EPCOT. It seems like every time we take the Monorail around Walt Disney World and head through EPCOT, Moana’s Journey of Water is further and further along. This is a good sign because we want this open and the walls down as soon as possible.

More shrubs and greenery have been installed, pathways are clearly seen, and rock work is clearly visible now. Along with new concert work that blends into World Nature really well. We can also see the water pumps and water station itself that have been installed with tons of piping leading to and from.

Moana’s Journey of Water is due to open by the end of 2023.

Designed for all ages, Journey of Water will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from our skies to our oceans and back again. Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with artists and cultural consultants from Walt Disney Animation Studios to bring this experience to life, and our team tasked themselves with capturing the beauty of the natural water cycle within the attraction. We were also inspired by Moana’s fierce determination to protect her environment – her bond with the water is unique, and we are excited for guests to learn about the importance of water and experience its playful personality just as she did.

Fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” will be delighted to see familiar shapes and characters carved into the rocks and waterways throughout Journey of Water. A great example of this is Moana herself, who will be positioned proudly – celebrating water’s arrival to our ocean.

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Attraction Taking Shape for Moana’s Journey of Water in EPCOT

As part of our design process, Imagineers create models, mock-ups, and maquettes to bring our beloved characters and stories into the parks in sometimes unexpected ways. Above is a behind-the-scenes look for World Princess Week of Principal Dimensional Designer, Jim Towler, sculpting the foam maquette of Moana for this attraction.

This gives you a glimpse into the earliest stages of our design process, before paint and additional details have been added. Once the pose of the character is defined, sculptors add detail and texture until the emotional expression of the carving is just right. We then do a paint study and often create full-scale samples to test final materials and carving techniques. This process ensures the production and creative vision for the experience align.

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This Hercules Muses Tee Will Make You Go From Zero To Hero!

By

Ana Leal

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February 8, 2023

This Hercules Muses Tee Will Make You Go From Zero To Hero!

Take your style from zero to hero with this Hercules Muses tee created by TangaDesign on Etsy for $22+. You can order yours here!

The shirt features the muses in their best pose with the quote “Honey, you mean Hunkules” around it in a green font. We need it ASAP! You can even pick between all the different t-shirt colors they have available so we are sure you’ll find the best for you.

Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter Hosting Give Kids the World Panel

By

Greg Gately

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February 8, 2023

Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter Hosting Give Kids the World Panel. Join us as Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter shares behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of guests’ favorite Disney attraction Big Thunder Mountain, and a Second-night discussion about EPCOT, only at Give Kids the World Village.

Topics: Friday is all about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as Tony discusses the project from the initial blue sky concepts to the opening of the attraction. Saturday is all things EPCOT, as Tony delves into the creation of Journey Into Imagination and other EPCOT stories.

Bio: Tony Baxter is the former senior vice president of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he was responsible for creating designs and carrying out the construction of attractions all over the world. During his 47-year tenure with the company, Tony oversaw the construction of numerous contemporary Disney theme park attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, The Indiana Jones Adventure, and Journey Into Imagination. He also served as the executive producer of Disneyland Paris.

Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter Hosting Give Kids the World Panel

VIP Ticket Option: Please join us in The Hoppening Place at Give Kids The World Village for a meet ‘n greet with Tony Baxter. This exclusive experience includes hors d’oeuvres, an opportunity to ask Tony questions, and photo ops. You will also receive an autographed photo of Tony. Following the VIP experience, you will be escorted to reserved seating in the front for ‘Give Kids The World Presents: Tony Baxter.’

Parking: Parking will be provided on-site at Give Kids The World Village. Upon arrival, please follow the signs to the employee parking lot at the south end of the property.

Village Impact: Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Give Kids The World Village to make magical dreams come true for critically ill children and their families. All ticket sale proceeds benefit Give Kids The World.

Tickets can be purchased at this LINK