Disneyland Unveils Two Brand New Dolls in Wheelchairs for It’s a Small World
It’s a Small World has reopened at Disneyland as “it’s a small world holiday” and two brand new dolls in wheelchairs have been added to the attraction. The same attraction at Walt Disney World is said to be getting similar additions in 2023.
CNN reporter Natasha Chen shared the news on Twitter:
“@Disneyland unveiled two brand new dolls *in wheelchairs* this morning at “It’s a Small World”! Similar additions anticipated at WDW and DLP next year. Photos here sent to me by #Disneyland. Writing up this story soon.”
.@Disneyland unveiled two brand new dolls *in wheelchairs* this morning at "It's a Small World"! Similar additions anticipated at WDW and DLP next year. Photos here sent to me by #Disneyland. Writing up this story soon. pic.twitter.com/g5YqdF9XRt
This is a positive change that many are supportive of! What do you think of the new dolls?
If you’d like to visit the Disneyland Resort, 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!
Disneyland Resort Celebrates the Holidays Starting Today
The Disneyland Resort celebrates the holidays today through January 8, 2023! The holiday season brings an abundance of festive fun and joyful décor to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. During this magical time of year, friends and family can make merry memories together with treasured traditions and distinctly Disney experiences, such as seasonal nighttime spectaculars, transformations of favorite attractions, special food and beverages and more.
Returning this year, the nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” wraps guests in holiday magic by fusing cherished holiday music with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films.
Through energetic live entertainment, culinary delights and special traditions, Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure highlights a diverse season of celebrations, including Christmas/Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Nine Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks across the park serve a wide array of delectable foods and beverages, including Visions of Sugarplums, a returning marketplace featuring sweet and savory bites. Guests may choose to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which can be shared or used over multiple visits during this year’s Disney Festival of Holidays, to taste their way through eight food or non-alcoholic beverage selections from participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.
As part of the festival, guests may enjoy live musical performances at different locations in Disney California Adventure. New this year, Tina and The Sounds of Celebration! brings her powerhouse vocals and dynamic musicians to perform holiday tunes with an uplifting repertoire of salsa, merengue, cumbia and rock Latino. Other returning acts include the Mariachi Divas, Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, Phat Cat Swinger and The Mistletoes.
The jolly lineup of holiday entertainment continues with “Mickey’s Happy Holidays,” a procession of Disney and Pixar characters dancing and marching along to the upbeat rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. The “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party also returns, featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse donning festive fiesta attire, Mexican folklórico dancers and Mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, and giant mojiganga puppets. Guests can encounter Disney characters in holiday attire and, at Paradise Gardens Park, visit with Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.”
Disney California Adventure sparkles with holiday décor throughout, highlighted by a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree in Buena Vista Street and automotive embellishments in Cars Land. The yuletide spirit shifts into high gear with two seasonal attraction transformations: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
At Disneyland Park
Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen,” along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Santa Claus and many other friends celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade. Disney characters also greet guests in their finest holiday attire, with some debuting new, vintage-inspired outfits!
In the evenings, the festivities continue with the “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, which features magical “snowfall” and colorful projections on Main Street, U.S.A., and the façade of “it’s a small world.” Families can also dance along with characters during nightly holiday dance parties at the Tomorrowland Terrace.
Two beloved Disneyland attractions return with fan-favorite seasonal transformations. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, “it’s a small world” Holiday features dolls and toys representing children around the world, enjoying the distinctive holiday traditions of their respective countries. Unique to this year’s presentation, each room in the attraction features a small detail displaying the number 25. Over in New Orleans Square, Jack Skellington and his friends cause a collision between Christmas and Halloween to transform the Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday.
The festive décor at Disneyland presents many beautiful locations for holiday photos. Guests are greeted by the iconic 60-foot-tall Christmas tree as they enter the park, and the Plaza Point holiday shop is decorated with garlands, nutcrackers and more. Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle enchants guests from day to night with shimmering icicles and twinkling lights. The Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort guided tour offers a hosted experience of select seasonal offerings and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade.***
Holiday magic throughout the Disneyland Resort
Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus makes appearances at various locations throughout the Disneyland Resort, including Critter Country in Disneyland, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure and at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
All three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort display beautifully themed Christmas trees and feature performances from convivial carolers. The Disneyland Resort culinary team continues its annual gingerbread house display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To commemorate Diwali at the Disneyland Hotel, The Coffee House features an Indian Chai Archisha tea on the menu through Jan. 8, 2023.
At Downtown Disney District, guests will discover dazzling décor and photo opportunities, festive musical entertainment, a holiday craft station and seasonal offerings from shops and restaurants. For the first time, the fun of Disney Festival of Holidays will extend to Downtown Disney District with special “Friends of the Festival” menu items. Featuring a breadth of boutiques to explore, Downtown Disney District is an ideal destination to find holiday gifts.
Contact me today if you’d like to visit Disneyland during the holidays! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Watch the Rainy Day Christmas Cavalcade During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The first night for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party certainly started the holiday season in a memorable fashion. Unfortunately, rain impacted a lot of the night’s entertainment offerings, but we did catch a delightful Rainy Day Christmas Cavalcade.
Due to how the characters don’t like to get wet, they found another way to bring some fun to Main Street in the rain! The characters ride out in covered vehicles so they stay dry, and the dancers all don raincoats and rain boots as they walk and dance along with the covered vehicles.
The first car drove Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto. The characters are wearing their holiday costumes.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Holiday Gingerbread Display is Now OPEN!
Now open to guests Disney’s Contemporary Resort Holiday Gingerbread Display for 2022. We happened to drop by the Contempo to catch this fan-favorite Gingerbread Display.
Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Merry Menagerie has returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom once again in 2022! Discovery Island springs to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Animals include reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins, and more!
While walking into the Animal Kingdom today we saw the Cast Members interacting with guests near the Tree of Life.
Take a look:
Disney’s Merry Menagerie at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park takes place at random times throughout the day. We were lucky we caught them coming out as we were walking into the Animal Kingdom.
Believe! Sea of Dreams opens to guests last night at Tokyo DisneySea
Congratulations to Disney and Oriental Land Company for bringing to life another amazing nighttime spectacular! “Believe! Sea of Dreams” opened to guests last night at Tokyo DisneySea.
Here is more info on Believe! Sea of Dreams:
A brand-new nighttime entertainment where Disney and Pixar friends remind dreamers to keep on believing and making their wishes come true.
Transforming Mediterranean Harbor, the show features bright lasers and searchlights, as well as images projected on the walls of Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta®, allowing guests to feel as if they have stepped into the stories of beloved Disney friends.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Nominated For USA Today’s 10 Best Theme Park Holiday Award
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! If you love the holidays you will want to visit Dollywood for their Smoky Mountain Christmas!
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana—the 14-time and only winner of Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Christmas Event—has been nominated in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best Theme Park Holiday Event. The contest, which now is live, runs through Monday, Dec. 5 at 11:59 a.m.
A page with a link to the voting page can be found at dollywood.com/vote. Anyone is eligible to vote and may do so once per day, per device. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which includes a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, expert contributors and more.
The theme park industry’s premier Christmas event has been a long-held tradition for generations of guests since its debut in 1990. With more than 6 million holiday lights, festive holiday performances and a cheerful Christmas atmosphere, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (now-Jan. 1, 2023) truly captures the essence of Christmas. From the cheer and joy of traditional holiday shows to the excitement of watching Santa at work in his Smoky Mountain cabin, Dollywood’s Christmas festival helps families create memories to share for a lifetime. Guests also can enjoy Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions that operate in this merry environment.
Dollywood’s family favorite shows will be lighting up both indoor and outdoor stages. The festival’s headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” has been a must-see for families every Christmas season since it began more than 30 years ago. Families also can enjoy “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “O’ Holy Night,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs,” “The Mistletones,” “Appalachian Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String Band” and more. And for those looking to celebrate the holidays with the perfect family meal, Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight.
For more information about Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Royal Caribbean Newest cruise terminal in Galveston Texas opens its doors and welcomes Allure of the Seas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the biggest, boldest adventure has arrived. Today, Royal Caribbean International’s new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, openedits doorsand welcomed the Lone Star State’s largest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas. The cruise line held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Port of Galveston to mark the state-of-the-art facility’s opening and the Texas debut of its revolutionary Oasis Class.
Royal Caribbean executives, government and port officials and partners celebrated the milestone achievement, including U.S. representative Randy Weber, Federal Commissioner Louis Sola, Mayor Craig Brown, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley and Port Director Rodger Rees. The city of Galveston also marked the day with a proclamation, recognizing the cruise line’s commitment to the city and the successful partnership started more than 20 years ago when Royal Caribbean first set sail from Galveston. With the introduction of the Oasis Class, the world’s largest cruise ships, it’s estimated the new terminal will welcome as many as 630,000 vacationers each year.
“We are thrilled to take family vacations to a whole new level in Texas. Our new, 161,334-square-foot terminal opens up a world of vacation possibilities for families in the Southwest,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Now our unmatched Oasis Class ships, known as the best family vacations in the industry, can set sail from Galveston. Allure of the Seas is just the beginning, and we thank the Port of Galveston, Ceres and all the teams involved for making this bold vision a reality.”
Royal Caribbean’s Galveston facility is as bold in its sustainable design as the bold adventures that vacationers have in store.The terminal will break even more new ground as the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world, generating 100% of the energy it needs through onsite solar panels. From the start, the design strategies used to develop the terminal were aligned with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s wholistic environmental goals, its focus to advance the development of sustainable infrastructure as well as its decarbonization strategy – Destination Net Zero.
“This new cruise terminal is a game-changer for the port and the region,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director, Port of Galveston. “This $125 million investment, in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, the port and Ceres, is expected to bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business services revenue, $5.6 million in state and local taxes, and incredible business development opportunities. And, of course, Allure of the Seas means more cruising adventures for our Texas cruise guests.”
Welcoming vacationers in the terminal as they make their way to Allure is a new, dynamic art sculpture named the Galveston Beach Trio by Texas-based artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture. The cruise line selected the husband-and-wife team for their one-of-a-kind concept that’s inspired by Galveston’s rich musical heritage, which includes the likes of Galveston-native and Grammy Award-winning, bass-baritone singer and songwriter Barry White. As the embodiment of the city’s island-time spirit, the stainless steel, and lost-wax bronze sculpture is the perfect backdrop for the start of vacationers’ getaways.
Aquatheater – Boardwalk Deck 6 Aft
Allure of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International
Allure will set sail from the new homeport on its first cruise on Sunday, Nov. 13 . The Oasis Class ship has in store a lineup of thrills, ways to chill, restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and more across seven signature neighborhoods, including the open-air Central Park with thousands of real plants and the Boardwalk neighborhood filled with ways to play and the one-of-a-kind AquaTheater entertainment venue that comes alive with high divers, acrobats, aerialists and more. From a nine-story-high zip line and two FlowRider surf simulators to rock climbing, ice skating, and original productions that span four stages – air, ice, water and theater – there’s adventure from end to end.
Oasis Class, Aerial, Ship Exterior, Allure of the Seas, sunset
When it comes to refueling in between the action, the 30-plus restaurants, bars and lounges on board serve up a range of flavors like family-style Italian classics at Giovanni’s Table, American steakhouse favorites at Chops Grille and fresh sushi and sizzling hibachi at Izumi. New concepts and dishes are coming to Allure as well, including Wipeout Cafe featuring El Loco Fresh. Fitting for the ship’s new home in Texas, the venue will serve up El Loco Fresh’s popular, grab-and-go Mexican delights like made-to-order quesadillas, tacos, nachos and more. Plus, joining the staples guests know and love at Giovanni’s Table will be menu items such as crispy calamari, eggplant parmigiana and caprese salad. Every member of the family can make memories together and on their own adventures any day of the week on Allure.
Vacationers can enjoy all that Allure has to offer on the new 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston and visit sun-soaked destinations, such as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras,for the winter 2022-2023 season.
Animal Actors and Special Effects shows closing at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood announced that the Animal Actors and Special Effects shows will be closing early next year. Along with the shows, the Production Central Store will also be closing. The closures will make way for a “future attraction”.
The shows and store will close on January 8, 2023. Universal has not announced any details regarding what the plans are for that area of the park. There has been a rumor about a new Fast & Furious roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Earlier this year Orlando Park Stop reported that Universal Hollywood might be getting “a large, steel roller coaster […] based on the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise.” The rumor seemed to be confirmed in October when Screamscape reported that permits had been filed for the project.
We don’t know what exactly will be coming to Universal Studios Hollywood and the park stated more information will come in the months ahead. Stay tuned!
If you’d like to visit Universal Hollywood, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Photopass Photo Ops
Guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom can take advantage of some festive Christmas party PhotoPass photo ops! You’ll be able to add some extra holiday magic with these Magic Shots. Take a look!
Special characters make an appearance in select Magic Shots. Tinker Bell, Zero, the Muppets, and Santa with his reindeer can all be seen in some photo ops.
Other photo ops include a red and white candy cane stripe background, Mickey-shaped Christmas lights, a gift box, and your photo being turned into a virtual ornament.
“It’s the most wonderful time of year at @waltdisneyworld! #DisneyPhotoPass is making spirits bright with these festive Magic Shots and photo ops available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, now through Dec. 22.
Looking for some daily holiday Magic Shots around #WaltDisneyWorld? Stay tuned to our page over the upcoming weeks to see all of the fa-la-la-la fun photos coming your way! 📸🎄”
These holiday photo ops are available only at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party now through December 22! Which one is your favorite?
If you’d like to visit Disney World during the holidays, 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!
Tom Holland Reportedly Signs Deal For Spider-Man 4
According to multiple insiders on Twitter, Tom Holland has signed a new Marvel/Sony contract that will see the actor return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the beloved Wall-Crawler.
Rumors are now noting that Tom Holland has potentially signed a deal to return as the beloved Web-Crawler in at least six new projects. The reports are highlights first a new Spider-Man trilogy (Spider-Man 4, 5, 6) and appearances in the upcoming Disney+ show Daredevil: Born Again.
Holland first appeared in the MCU in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, and has since starred in a trilogy of movies that recently concluded with Spider-Man: No Way Home. That film brought back previous Spider-Man actors Andrew Garfield and Tobey McGuire.
Marvel fans are certainly excited about these rumors. However, while some have treated this news as fact, it’s important to know that Holland’s signing of a new Spider-Man deal remains unconfirmed and has not yet been reported by a major outlet.
Stay tuned for more details regarding Tom Holland potentially reaching a new deal with Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures.
Extended Edition of Muppet Christmas Carol coming to Disney+
A missing song will soon be added to “Muppets Christmas Carol” on Disney+.
During the D23 Expo panel celebrating the film, it was announced that “When Love Is Gone” will be reinstated to the film an available for your holiday viewing pleasure on Disney+ on December 9, 2022 — exactly 30 years after the film’s initial theatrical release.
As Muppets fans will know, ‘When Love Is Gone’ was a song sung by Belle (Meredith Braun) but it was cut before the theatrical release because the then studio head Jeffrey Katzenberg felt it slowed the plot and that it would be uninteresting to younger viewers.
When Love Is Gone is sung when Scrooge, played by Sir Michael Caine, is taken back to Christmas pasts and sees his younger self with his fiancée Belle, played by Meredith Braun.
He remembers the Christmas they broke up because he was more interested in his career.
The film is a musical take on the 1843 Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol, casting beloved Muppet mainstays in roles made famous by the book.
According to Gizmodo, the movie will make its grand streaming debut just in time for the holidays. This extended version has been highly anticipated by fans for some time now.
The fully restored version of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” debuts December 9th, 2022, on Disney+.
