Calling all future kings and queens (and anyone who just loves a touch of Disney magic)! A brand new Lion King hoodie has landed at World of Disney in Disney Springs, and it’s the perfect way to represent your favorite timeless tale.
For just $59.99, you can snag this piece of Lion King magic and show your love for the film in style.
This all-over print hoodie features everyone’s favorite characters, making it a true celebration of the beloved film. On the front, you’ll find Rafiki proudly holding aloft a young Simba, a powerful symbol of the circle of life. Nestled below, on the front pocket, is the iconic Lion King logo.
The fun doesn’t stop there! The sleeves showcase Simba and Nala as cubs, playfully chasing each other alongside Timon and Pumbaa! It’s a sweet reminder of their childhood friendship.
But wait, there’s more! Flip the hoodie around and you’ll see a majestic Mufasa with young Simba laying on top of him and Zazu flying over making sure everyone is safe. It’s a powerful image that embodies the film’s themes of responsibility and family.
Made from cozy fleece and featuring a lined hood and pouch pocket, this hoodie is perfect for those cooler Florida evenings or simply cuddling up for a movie marathon. So head over to World of Disney in Disney Springs and get ready to Hakuna Matata your way into this must-have hoodie!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Not Included for Disney World Hotel Guest Early Entry & Extended Evening Hours
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure joins the Magic Kingdom schedule! However, there are some special events where it won’t be available. Be sure to check the calendar before you go!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now has operating hours on the Magic Kingdom calendar, running from park open to park close,just like Splash Mountain before it.
However, there are still some details to be ironed out regarding its availability for special offerings.
Early Entry: Currently, the ride isn’t included in Early Entry for resort guests since Frontierland doesn’t open early.
Extended Evening Hours: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is also absent from the list of attractions for Extended Evening Hours, which are offered periodically to select resort guests.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: While initially listed for the party, the attraction was quickly removed from the schedule.
While Disney hasn’t confirmed its inclusion, there’s still a chance it might be open for Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours, or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. It’s likely they’re finalizing details and may announce its participation closer to the event dates.
Ready to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Contact me today to book your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE!
Blue Man Group has announced plans to return to Orlando, finding a new home at ICON Park, a 20-acre entertainment destination in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district. After a successful 14-year run that ended in 2021 due to COVID, the group took a three-year hiatus to find the perfect time and place for their comeback. The decision to return to Orlando was driven by the city’s status as a premier destination for family fun.
Jack Kenn, Managing Director of Blue Man Group, expressed excitement about the new location, highlighting Orlando’s appeal for fans. The new 500-seat theater at ICON Park’s Universal Boulevard entrance will be specially designed to enhance Blue Man Group’s multi-sensory performances, featuring state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting, and video capabilities for an immersive experience.
ICON Park President and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz welcomed the addition, noting that it aligns with ICON Park’s strategy of attracting top-tier entertainment. With its prime location and renowned entertainment brands, ICON Park is an ideal fit for Blue Man Group. The new venue is in the planning stages, with an expected opening in late 2024.
Exciting news for Universal Orlando Resort fans and Florida drivers! A brand-new Universal Orlando Resort specialty license plate is set to debut later this year, offering a unique way for fans to show their love for one of the world’s most beloved theme park destinations. This new addition comes as part of a larger initiative to expand the variety of specialty plates available to Florida residents, thanks to recent legislative actions.
Earlier this year, the Florida Senate voted unanimously on a bill, HB 403, that aimed to provide even more specialty license plate options for drivers. The bill then passed through the House by an overwhelming majority and was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Set to go into effect on October 1, the new law directs the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to design a range of specialty plates, including those themed around Universal Orlando Resort and Margaritaville, among others.
Florida already boasts nearly 150 specialty license plates, allowing drivers to show off their favorite causes, universities, sports teams, and even Disney World. The new Universal Orlando Resort plate will join this diverse lineup, giving fans a fresh and exciting way to celebrate their love for the resort. Each plate costs an additional $15 to $25 a year, with a portion of the proceeds supporting various organizations. Specifically, funds from the Universal Orlando Resort plate will go to the Give Kids The World nonprofit, which provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.
The newly remodeled Disney Ever After store has officially opened its doors at the Town Center in Disney Springs, promising an enchanting shopping experience filled with fun collections, Instagrammable photo spots, and the popular Create Your Own Headband offering. This customizable headband experience, a big hit at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Resort, has finally made its way to Walt Disney World Resort, allowing guests to design unique headbands that add a personal touch to their Disney wardrobe.
With the opening of Disney Ever After, Disney handbags and jewelry that were previously available in this store have now found new homes at Marketplace Co-Op and Tren-D. These locations continue to offer a wide selection of stylish Disney-themed accessories, ensuring that fans can still find their favorite items within Disney Springs.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect Disney souvenir, eager to design your own headband, or simply want to revel in the vibrant décor, Disney Ever After offers something special for everyone. So, head over to Disney Springs and experience the magic of Disney Ever After – where dreams come true, and the magic never ends.
New Fairytale Setting: Capture Your Disney Wedding Magic at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
Tying the knot with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons? Now you can add a touch of Southern charm and whimsical wonder to your wedding portraits with their newest Park Portrait Session location: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World!
Imagine your wedding photos bathed in the warm glow of moonlight or sparkling under the Florida sunshine, with the enchanting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as your backdrop. Lush greenery, draping willow trees, and vibrant blooms create a romantic and whimsical setting for your happily ever after pictures. Whether you capture yourselves nestled on the grassy knoll of the riverbank or dazzling beneath the evening stars, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises pure Disney magic in every frame!
Ever dreamed of having your wedding photos taken in the tranquility of a Disney Park before it opens to the public? Disney’s Park Portrait Sessions grant you this exclusive experience, allowing you to capture unforgettable memories on your special day or vow renewal with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.
Ready to Make Your Fairytale a Reality?
Head over to Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons website to learn more about Park Portrait Sessions and find answers to frequently asked questions. And for a deeper dive into Disney Fine Art Photography’s services, explore their photographer directory and stunning photo galleries here!
Let Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons and the enchanting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure create a wedding portrait session that reflects the magic of your love story!
Princess Tiana makes a special visit to celebrate the debut of Tiana's Bayou Adventure before it opens to guests on June 28 at Magic Kingdom Park. The family thrill ride continues the story from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film "The Princess and the Frog" with beloved and new characters, joyful music and a 50-foot drop. (Olga Thompson, Photographer)
(Olga Thompson, Photographer)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Virtual Queue Fills Up Instantly on Opening Day
Excitement for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure reached a fever pitch this morning as the virtual queue for the Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction filled up in mere seconds. The queue opened at 7 am, with the park already at capacity for Annual Passholders, though date-based ticket holders still had a chance to secure a spot.
Despite the limited availability, the 7 am virtual queue distribution reached capacity in under 3 seconds, a testament to the anticipation surrounding the attraction. This lightning-fast fill rate is not unusual for virtual queue attractions, as similar experiences have been observed for TRON Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
However, hopeful guests shouldn’t despair. A second virtual queue opportunity will open at 1 pm, giving those who missed out this morning another chance to experience the magic of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Based on previews held for Annual Passholders, the estimated progression rate for boarding groups is approximately 5 minutes per group. This suggests that the virtual queue system will allow for efficient and steady boarding throughout the day, ensuring that guests can experience the attraction without excessive wait times.
As Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens its doors to the public, it’s clear that this immersive new experience is already a hit among Disney fans. With its captivating storyline, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative ride technology, the attraction is poised to become a new favorite for guests of all ages.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Soundtrack Debuts Today, June 28
The soundtrack for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sets sail today, June 28th, on Walt Disney Records. This coincides perfectly with the grand opening of the attraction at Walt Disney World! Get ready to sing along as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure makes its splash at Disneyland Resort later this year.
Grammy-Award winners, PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, recorded this special soundtrack in New Orleans with some of the city’s most prolific talent from Jon Batiste to Trombone Shorty, Jon Clearly and more.
While experiencing the attraction, not only will you find yourself singing along to “Special Spice,” there’s even new renditions of familiar favorites from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” You can hear these tunes by PJ Morton on the attraction and in the queue by Terence Blanchard, from “Gonna Take You There” to “Almost There” and more!
When streaming the soundtrack, you won’t want to miss the all-new, original song “Special Spice” — written, produced and performed by Grammy-Award winner PJ Morton with vocals by Anika Noni Rose, the original voice of Princess Tiana and Disney Legend.
Anika Noni Rose – The beloved voice of Princess Tiana and Disney Legend returns to the role once again, singing vocals on “Special Spice”!
Jon Batiste, Jon Cleary and Trombone Shorty — The Grammy-award winning and multi-hyphenate musicians performed on songs throughout the attraction!
Tarriona “Tank” Ball – A New Orleans native and singer performed a new rendition of “Dig A Little Deeper” for the attraction.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band — The group played and sang the song “They All Asked for You,” a song familiar to many of the residents of New Orleans.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band — The group played with an all-star rhythm section assembled by Terence Blanchard, including Louisiana Fairytale, Tailgate Ramble and Bourbon Street Parade.
Leah Chase Kamata – The daughter of Dooky and Leah Chase, the NOLA staple and accomplished singer lent her voice for the queue song, “Do you Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.”
Charlie Gabriel — An icon in the New Orleans music community, the 91-year-old musician sang lead vocal and played clarinet on “Tailgate Ramble.”
Terrance Simien – The two-time Grammy winner and phenomenal Zydeco artist performed the queue version of “Gonna Take You There.”
Disneyland to also use New Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass
Changes are coming to the Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane service at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort starting next month. While multiple changes are coming to the service at Disney World, the only change coming to Disneyland is the name change.
Disney Genie+ service will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. Disneyland Resort will use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass names beginning July 24.
Based on the different ways guests visit Disneyland Resort, the way guests purchase, select and redeem Lightning Lane passes at Disneyland Resort will remain the same.
The complimentary features of Disney Genie service will continue to be available in the Disneyland app. This includes features like tailored recommendations, personalized park itinerary, and custom tip board tabs.
Guests who purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass will continue to receive unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads included the day they purchased the pass.
What do you think of the changes coming to Disney’s Genie+ service?
Planning a Disneyland trip can be exciting, but overwhelming! Let me handle the magic for you. As your Disney travel expert, I’ll navigate the details, find hidden deals, and personalize your itinerary for an unforgettable adventure! Just tell me your dreams, and I’ll make them sparkle with pixie dust.
2024 Holiday Season Kicking off in Disneyland on November 15th
Mark your calendars! The holiday season returns to the Disneyland Resort on November 15th, 2024. Get ready for magical experiences throughout the resort!
Take in the sights and sounds of this joyous celebration of cherished holidays—including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day—that make the season bright through diverse festivities and beloved seasonal traditions.
Festive Foods Marketplace
Stop by Disney California Adventure Park to discover a world of delectable possibilities throughout the Festive Foods Marketplace. Share in cultural celebrations with a host of delicious dishes at various locations during the Disney Festival of Holidays.
Sip and Savor Pass Sample the foods and flavors of the season with the Sip and Savor Pass—available for purchase to all Guests! During the Disney Festival of Holidays, this pass provides convenient entitlement tabs that you can redeem for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.
Sip and Savor Pass, its entitlements, food and beverage offerings, participating marketplace locations and participating dining locations are all subject to availability, restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Revel in authentic holiday music, dance, décor and a dash of Disney magic! Enjoy the ultimate fiesta for Navidad! This joyous street party features exuberant performances, including authentic folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and incredible 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a special appearance by Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best!
Three Kings Day
Head to Paradise Gardens for a uniquely Disney event honoring the Epiphany, or twelfth day of Christmas. Celebrated around the world in many ways, the holiday is known as El Día de los Reyes Magos in Central and South America as well as Mexico.
World of Color – Season of Light
See beloved moments from Disney and Pixar films illuminate a towering wall of mist. Watch hundreds of sky-high fountains dance in time to festive music as shimmering snowflakes fill the scene. Experience a mesmerizing spectacle as enchanting and magical as the holidays themselves!
Stories to Warm the Heart Weaving classic films like Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story and Fantasia with contemporary hits like Frozen and Inside Out, this wondrous celebration brings stories of friendship, family and love to life.
A Jolly, Joyous Musical Score From seasonal favorites to cherished movie tunes, the medley of music will have you singing and swaying along. And Goofy’s madcap musical light display adds hilarious hijinks sure to make spirits extra bright!
From the opening number to the breathtaking finale, this awe-inspiring show is a moving emotional tapestry. You may want to make it part of your family’s holiday traditions.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree
Whirl through Mater’s collection of car parts in a cute lil’ tractor as he croons classic holiday tunes with some tow-riffic original lyrics.
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Luigi and his extended family of roadsters are celebrating the season in style with festive dances to tunes crooned by Luigi himself! Take a seat in a classic Italian import and enjoy the ride as the cars cruise to the music.
Holiday Offerings at Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, A Christmas Fantasy Parade brings the most magical time of year to Disneyland Park!
Delightful Holiday Highlights
Mickey and Minnie work with Chip ‘n’ Dale to organize an avalanche of letters to Santa.
Anna, Elsa and Olaf bid you a warm winter welcome from their fantastic Frozen realm.
Woody and Buzz give a playful wave from atop giant wooden building blocks.
The Disney Princesses dance at the Candlelight Ball.
In the grand finale, wave hello to Santa Claus himself. It’s a Christmas fantasy you’ll never forget!
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Set sail along a wondrous wintry waterway transformed with whimsical décor. Behold jubilant regional adornments all along your world tour of good cheer. Listen as the costumed chorus of children sings the classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” song and traditional holiday tunes.
The enchantment begins as you approach the iconic façade, which is adorned with thousands of shimmering lights for the season.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has been busy decorating the Haunted Mansion for the Haunted Mansion Holiday—with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other beasties from the beloved film will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular
Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.
Tonight’s Forecast: Snow! As a special wintry treat, experience a magical snowfall all around you when you head over to “it’s a small world” Holiday and portions of the Main Street, U.S.A. area!
Celebrate the holiday season in grand style at this joyous jubilee in lights!
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
During the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Sleeping Beauty Castle is decked out in icicles, wreaths and festive décor. Each evening, gather to see the iconic edifice shimmer to life.
As snow falls and music fills the air, watch thousands of twinkling lights illuminated in stages. It’s a truly breathtaking sight!
Characters in Special Seasonal Attire
‘Tis the season to find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and some of their friends showing off their new wintry wear in Disneyland Park.
Ready to book your holiday trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Following the structural completion milestone of the Disney Treasure in December 2023, the team in Papenburg, Germany has been focused on building out the interior spaces of the ship. This work includes preparations to bring Disney Cruise Line’s immersive Marvel-themed dining experience, Worlds of Marvel, to the Disney Treasure. In light of the progress being made, Ship’s Log readers are among the first to learn about the new “Guardians of the Galaxy” dinner show coming to Worlds of Marvel on the Disney Treasure titled, “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix.”
The story will follow Groot as he brings guests along for an on-screen quest to throw the ultimate surprise party for his friend, Rocket. All the while, diners will eat to the beat of an “awesome mix” of hit songs and can test their knowledge of the Marvel universe with trivia for the whole family. The new show will be offered to guests during one of two distinct nights at Worlds of Marvel, where they will also experience “Avengers: Quantum Encounter,” which first premiered on the Disney Wish.
The Disney Treasure debuts later this year! If you’d like to sail on Disney’s newest ship, contact me to get your cruise booked. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Calling all Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders: Passholder Nights presented by Coca-Cola® are making a triumphant return this year. Mark your calendars for August 16 and 17, as these exclusive after-hours events promise to be unforgettable experiences.
Passholder Nights are special evenings dedicated to Universal Orlando’s most loyal fans — Annual Passholders. It’s a chance to enjoy the parks in a unique way, with fewer crowds and exclusive access to attractions and entertainment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a wizarding world enthusiast, Passholder Nights offer an epic evening for everyone.
When and How to Reserve
Reservations for Passholder Nights open on July 24, starting after 11 am. To secure your spot, you’ll need to have your Pass ID number ready, as well as the ID numbers of up to 8 other Passholders if you’re making a group reservation. Remember, you must be 18 years or older to register, so make sure you have everything prepared to snag your spot for this highly anticipated event.
After a hiatus due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Passholder Nights returned in 2023 as part of the Passholder Appreciation Days. Held at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on August 26, 2023, Passholder Night was a single night event that was VERY popular, with reservations going quickly. The extension to two nights for this year doubles your chance of scoring a spot!
Don’t forget to mark July 24 on your calendar and get ready to secure your spot for Passholder Nights 2024. This is your chance to be part of an exclusive celebration that promises thrills, magic, and memories galore at Universal Orlando Resort!
