New Alice In Wonderland Caterpillar Backpack Spotted At Epcot!
Go down the rabbit hole with this Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar backpack from Loungefly! We recently spotted this whimsical bag at the Creations Shop in Epcot for $85. We fell in love with the dreamy colors making it a perfect addition to your collection.
It features the caterpillar ready to ask you “who are YOU?” on the front pocket, plus Alice, the Cheshire cat and the white rabbit lost in Wonderland. On the back we have the merry unbirthday cake and on the side colorful leaves!
You can take a closer look at this Loungefly backpack in our Instagram post:
Walt Disney World Genie + Hits Record High for Holiday Week. Last October we got word from the Walt Disney Company that Genie + would change from $15.00 a day to a variable pricing structure. it would be based on how crowded the parks would be that day. We reported earlier and we Quote
“For example, now through the end of October, prices will be $15 per Guest, per day on less busy dates, $22 on some of our busier dates, and somewhere in between on other dates (plus tax; prices are subject to change beyond October).
As a reminder, single-day purchases of Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World Resort are only available directly through the My Disney Experience app on the guest’s date of visit.”
We thought the highest we would see was $22.00. Apparently, we were all wrong, because today genie + is selling for $29.00. One day after Bob Iger replaced Bob Chapek as Disney CEO.
Tap into Disney Genie service and Disney Genie+ service, conveniently built into the My Disney Experience mobile app. Once you log into your Disney account, these services magically make your theme park visit easier and more fun. It’s like having a genie in the palm of your hand.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Disney Genie service can help you get the most of your visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
18% of Disney Goers Rack Up Debt to Visit Disney World and Most Have No Regrets
According to LendingTree, 18% of Disney goers rack up debt to visit Walt Disney World but most of them have no regrets. LendingTree surveyed nearly 1,550 consumers and concluded that some are willing to go into debt to visit Disney World.
The survey was conducted in October and the key findings included:
Disney theme parks are a major draw for amusement parkgoers. Most Americans that have visited a theme park have visited a Disney park.
18% of Disney attendees say they went into debt for one or more tripsfrom November 2022 through October 2023
Most of the visitors who went into debt say they don’t regret it and 4 in 5 say they’ll pay it off within 6 months
Disney’s food and admission costs ended up being more than those visitors originally thought or budgeted for.
Mouse Hacking conducted an analysis and found that the baseline Disney World vacation for a family of four (including two adults, one child 10 or older and one child 3 to 9) costs $5,731 in 2022. That includes:
Flights
Transportation to and from Disney World
A five-night stay at a Disney World value resort
Five day tickets without Park Hopper, but with Genie+ at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
All meals at roughly the cost of the standard Disney dining plan (which has not returned post-Covid)
Mouse Hacking also found that the same vacation for the same family of four will cost $6,320 in 2023. That’s a 10% increase from 2022.
Overall, most visitors that went into debt for their Disney World vacation don’t regret it. “A Disney trip can be an experience that you and your family remember for the rest of your lives, and those are the types of things people are willing to go into debt for,” LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz says. “You shouldn’t take on a debilitating amount of debt and you shouldn’t do it very often, but if you need to take on a few months of debt to afford that once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip, it can be OK.”
What do you think about going into debt for your Disney vacation?
If you are ready to start planning your Disney vacation, 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!
Buzz, Woody and Jessie Dressed up for Christmas in Toy Story Land
Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie are now dressed up for Christmas in Toy Story Land! Our favorite toys in Disney’s Hollywood Studios are getting into the holiday spirit with their new Christmas outfits.
Woody and Jessie have a combined meet and greet area. Both are wearing festive holiday vests layered over their regular outfits. Jessie’s is green with candy cane trim and peppermint patches. Woody’s is red with candy cane trim and features a Christmas tree patch and gift box patch. He is also wearing a green bandana instead of his usual red one. He’s got an oversized candy cane in his holster and a sprig of holly in his hat.
Buzz Lightyear has his own meet and greet separate from Woody and Jessie. He is wearing a red Santa hat with a fuzzy white trim.
If you’d like to meet your favorite toys at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 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!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Now Completely Sold Out for 2022
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party now completely sold out this year! All party dates are fully booked and no more tickets are available. If you want to attend the party, I hope you already purchased your tickets!
Ticket prices ranged from $149 to $199 per person depending on the event date.
Throughout the evening, you can:
Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show!
Gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Get the perfect picture with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best!
Make your night extra sweet when you explore the park searching for cookies and cocoa.
Take in the elaborate decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life!
You can still celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World even if you don’t have a ticket for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Contact me today if you’d like to start planning your next trip. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan your next magical vacation!
Bob Chapek is Fired and Bob Iger returns to a Hero’s Welcome. News is Breaking in the Wonderful World of the Walt Disney Company and the reaction is strong. Disney Cast Members were apparently the first to learn of the change at the top when an email was sent out to everyone an hour ago.
The Walt Disney Company immediately released a statement that you can read below. While celebrities and influencers reacted fast and en masse. Josh Gad, aka Olaf from Walt Disney Animation “Frozen”, was one of the first to say “The King has returned!! Welcome Back to @disney to the greatest man in the biz”. While many others heaped on board the anti-Chapek Train.
“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”
“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide–all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” she said.
“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.
“During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation, and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox and increased the Company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.
Disney issues a statement regarding the Return of Bob Iger as Disney CEO. This is Breaking News, We are keeping you up to date with all the details as they come in.
Read the full Disney release here:
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.
“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”
“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide–all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” she said.
The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Ms. Arnold serving in that capacity.
“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.
“During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the Company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.
Bob Chapek stepping down as Disney CEO Bob Iger to take his place. Breaking News of Bob Chapek stepping down as CEO of the Walt Disney Company. We are working on all the details now. Soon as we know more we will update you.
What we do know right now, Bob Iger will return as CEO of The Walt Disney Company effectively immediately. We will have Disney’s Statement soon. This comes on the news of a dismal fourth-quarter earnings report.
Tree of Life Awakenings in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continues, select theme park icons will continue to transform into Beacons of Magic in between showings of glittering holiday-themed displays. Disney elves have gone above and beyond to bring guests a variety of yuletide entertainment experiences this holiday season.
After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music. Showing nightly starting at 6:00 PM and showing every 10 minutes, this show is sure to delight the whole family during the Holiday season.
We got to watch both shows and recorded them for you to watch. Check out the video below.
Flickering fireflies magically appear and stir to life the animal spirits in the tree’s towering trunk—bringing to light a dazzling visual display swarming with color and animated imagery.
Gaze upon a young doe embarking upon a thrilling journey. Behold love blossoming between a pair of hummingbirds. Spy a sly fox spreading gifts of love among the denizens of a wintry forest.
A feast for the eyes, each revelation celebrates the eternal balance and harmony that exists in all living things, big or small, and is sure to inspire and delight your whole family tree.
Dinoland USA is Beautifully Lit Up and Decorated for the Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts, and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment, and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dinoland USA, along with Donald’s Dino-Bash are in the Festive spirit. With lights all over the land. From the Characters being in their Holiday outfits, to the giant brachiosaurus with color-changing lights, and his giant Santa Hat and Beard. Check out some of the images we took below.
You can also spot cute little Disney things all over Dinoland right now. Including a giant bone wrapped in a bow as a gift for Pluto.
Donald Duck just heard the news—some of his feathered ancestors were dinosaurs! To mark this inquackable discovery, he’s transformed this land into a celebration for the ages.
He’s also unearthed more old friends than Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has ever seen before—including Donald, Daisy, and Pluto. You can even catch Chip ’n Dale—sporting some nutty dino-inspired costumes.
Celebrate Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary with New Collection & Event. The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Muppets’ rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic tale, puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes—and his heart—to the true meaning of Christmas.
Now you can join D23 in celebrating the 30th Anniversary in Style with an exclusive sale coming up this November 22nd for Gold Members. The new collection features an Ugly Sweater, Spirit Jersey, Hat, Shirt, and Mug, all from Mickey of Glendale.
Gonzo and Rizzo “Ugly” Holiday Sweater for Adults – The Muppet Christmas Carol Whoever coined the phrase “Ugly Holiday Sweater” clearly had never been a lamplighter in Victorian London, because this cozy sweater is fire. Featuring full-knit details in shades of red and white, it showcases silhouettes of Gonzo and Rizzo and features jellybean details. Text on the front reads “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and the back features the iconic quote “Light the lamp, not the rat!”
30th Anniversary Tee for Adults – The Muppet Christmas Carol Inspired by Victorian broadside posters, this 30th Anniversary T-shirt features ornate damask details… and also 30 of Rizzo’s jellybeans. Includes artwork of Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, and Robin as well as accompanying text. A soft, hand-vintage screen-print style lends a comfy, broken-in feel to this tee.
30th Anniversary Spirit Jersey for Adults – The Muppet Christmas Carol For the first time ever, everyone’s favorite caroling rabbit is featured on a Spirit Jersey as the one-and-only Bean Bunny graces the chest of this design asking for a “penny for the song, guv’nor?” With puffy and glittery ink on the back and a shoulder-to-shoulder print of the film’s logo, Muppet Christmas Carol fans will love this holiday must-have. The base of the Spirit Jersey is a cozy tartan pattern featuring silhouettes of Gonzo and Rizzo.
The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Screening at Walt Disney World
Gold Member: $24.99 (plus $7 processing fee) per person General Member: $34.99 (plus $7 processing fee) per person Click the link for the chance to purchase tickets.
Don’t be a Scrooge! It’s time to celebrate the magic of the holiday season alongside your D23 family and Disney Springs, with The Muppet Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary Screening at Walt Disney World!
At this very special big-screen celebration, D23 members and their guests will receive their very own Christmas caroling book to help them sing along with the classic songs before heading into the AMC Disney Springs 24 theater to commemorate 30 years of this heartwarming and Muppet-ational classic. Just before the film begins, the D23 team will offer up an exclusive behind-the-scenes presentation filled with fun facts about this holiday classic; additionally, guests will have the chance to show off their ugliest holiday sweaters during our Ugly Sweater Showcase! And after the sing-along screening, guests will enjoy a specialty sweet treat from Disney Springs’ own Gideon’s Bakehouse.
Disney Imagineers Bring Spirit of Diversity and Inclusion to it’s a small world
Disney Imagineers have updated ‘it’s a small world’ at Disneyland to now bring the spirit of diversity and inclusion to the attraction. When the attraction opened with its holiday overlay this holiday season, two new dolls were added, both in wheelchairs.
“This is the first time someone like me is represented in an attraction at the Disneyland Resort,” said Accessibility Manager Erin Quintanilla, who also serves as co-chair of the ENABLED Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) that advocates for people with disabilities. “It’s a really big deal and this could not have happened without the amazing teams involved.”
Walt Disney Imagineering performs ongoing reviews to see if updates can be made to better reflect the world around us. “This addition builds on ‘it’s a small world’s’ longstanding legacy of diverse representation,” said Kim Irvine, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering.
From design to installation, Imagineers worked closely with Resort Enhancement, Animation, Wardrobe and the ENABLED BERG. “We designed this wheelchair very much in the Mary Blair style and worked with the various [partners] to create the filigree and floral motifs … to make sure [the design] fit in with the attraction,” said Kim. Disney Legend Mary Blair is known for her distinctive artistic style used throughout the attraction.
The doll represents a Latin American child in a wheelchair, and is featured in both the Latin America region and finale of “it’s a small world.” The costume design stemmed from the late Alice Davis, who made her legendary mark on the attraction through her authentic designs that represent the diverse regions.
Erin shared how proud she was to work on the project to bring authenticity to the art, which is part of what BERGs do at the resort. “I was able to help consult on the design of the wheelchairs so that the dolls authentically represented those of us who live life on wheels,” said Erin.
From the bend in the child’s knee, to the push rim on the back of the wheels, each component authentically represents how a child independently uses a wheelchair. “It’s also critical that the dolls move just like everyone else in order to be fully inclusive,” added Erin.
Fellow ENABLED BERG member and Guest Relations Hostess Sarah Nguyen was surprised when she saw the dolls for the first time. “When I was a child, I didn’t see any representation of people that looked like me, and it became normal for me,” said Sarah. “I never thought as an adult that I would see something that represents me so accurately, and I didn’t realize how important it was until I actually saw it. It shows that I matter.”
As the ENABLED BERG provided the authentic voice, Resort Enhancement team members collaborated on the design.
“I approached this project through research to understand how someone accurately uses a wheelchair,” said Park Decorator and Designer Cassandra Siemon. She said the ENABLED BERG’s partnership was essential to the authentic representation.
“It’s important that all of the right people and teams are included in the design process,” said Cassandra. “It became important that we all wrote this story together.”
“We say the park is for everyone and it’s essential that all of the specific details and elements in the resort are for everyone,” said Cassandra.
Welder John Cunningham was the lead builder and describes how impactful working on a project like this was for him. “It’s fascinating for one thing because it’s a challenge. There’s never been another wheelchair to work with, so we had to build it from scratch,” said John. “But it’s also important. It’s not just decorative, it’s symbolic. And I felt that a little bit when I was working on it. It’s something I’ll always remember as one of those Disney moments.”
“It’s always amazing to see a project develop from concept design to the final installation,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Michele Hobbs, who was an ongoing part of the process. “The emotion and sheer dedication by everyone involved was inspiring. It is so meaningful for Walt Disney Imagineering and our Disneyland Resort cast members. We know our guests will find it equally incredible.”
We anticipate adding dolls in wheelchairs to the “it’s a small world” attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris in 2023.
If you’d like to visit Disneyland to ride ‘it’s a small world’, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
