Great news for Disney Springs visitors! The Sassagoula River Cruise boat transportation is operational once again, after being shut down since the end of April due to low water levels. Guests staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort can now enjoy the convenient and scenic water taxi service between their resorts and Disney Springs.
The water taxis were out of service for a month and a half, during which bus transportation was provided. However, with water levels restored, the boats are back in action, offering a delightful way to travel. Due to the nightly “Disney Dreams That Soar” drone show at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., the last boat departs Disney Springs at 8 p.m. For guests staying out later, bus service will be available after 8 p.m.
If you are looking to shop for some new jewelry during your next trip to Disney Springs, you may find a closed sign on the door of the popular Ever After Jewelry Co. The popular Jewelry and Accessory store has temporarily closed to allow for the installation of a new concept.
The official Disney Springs Facebook page posted: Pardon our pixie dust! Something new is coming to Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. Stay tuned for more information on the exciting all-new concept coming to the location later this month. The Ever After team has since followed up relating an entirely new concept is being installed that will transform Every After Jewelry and Co into Disney Ever After.!
Disney Ever After will reportedly feature collections featuring your favorite characters, new merchandise, and plenty of huggable plush! A temporary shop has been opened in Tren-D over at the Marketplace area of Disney Springs while the Disney Ever After concept is installed.
On Saturday, June 15, the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri, made a surprise appearance at the Chicken Guy! Disney Springs location. The famed chef and TV personality visited the flagship location of his popular chicken chain to connect with fans and his dedicated team at the restaurant.
Fieri, known for his energetic personality and love for bold flavors, was joined by his two sons, Ryder and Hunter, along with Robert Earl, co-founder of Chicken Guy! The trio’s presence added an extra dash of excitement for fans and patrons who were thrilled to meet the culinary star in person.
During his visit, Fieri didn’t just mingle with fans; he also rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside his staff. The team was gearing up to introduce new dishes to the menu, showcasing their latest creation: the Bacon Jalapeño Popper Sandwich. Head on over to Chicken Guy! at Disney Springs and try out this new Flavortown creation for yourself!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind remains an incredibly popular attraction at Disney’s EPCOT and for good reason: the innovative ride system, immersive storytelling, and fun audio effects blend to make an absolutely amazing ride. The attraction has required guests to join a virtual queue (or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane) since its opening, and this process does not appear to be changing despite the extended closure of Test Track for refurbishment.
EPCOT’s first reverse launch roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, has quickly become a fan favorite. The ride blends the humor of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise with innovative technology, offering a unique and immersive experience. The virtual queue, designed to handle high demand, allows guests to explore the park without enduring long wait times, with boarding groups released at specific times throughout the day.
The Test Track Factor
Test Track, another EPCOT favorite, is now closed for a significant refurbishment with no announced end date, although Disney has indicated the entire ride will be re-themed. This closure will shift more guests toward other attractions, including Cosmic Rewind, raising questions about crowd management. Many were hoping the closure of Test Track will result in a standard queue opening for Guardians.
If you have never booked a Virtual Queue yet at Disney, here are a few tips to help get you started:
Set Alarms for Boarding Groups: Boarding groups are released at 7 AM and 1 PM. Set an alarm to secure your spot. Note you must be in park for the 1PM queue, but you can book the 7 AM queue from anywhere.
Explore EPCOT: Use the freed-up time to enjoy EPCOT’s diverse attractions, dining, and seasonal festivals.
Stay Informed: Check the My Disney Experience app for updates on the virtual queue system.
What are your thoughts on Guardians continuing to use the virtual queue? Leave us a comment to let us know!
New Limited Time Summer Experience Coming for Disney Vacation Club Members
Attention Disney Vacation Club Members! Get ready to elevate your summer vacation with the brand-new Welcome Home Weeks experience, exclusively for DVC members at Walt Disney World.
From July 22nd to August 24th, 2024, enjoy a variety of exclusive events and perks designed to make your Disney getaway even more magical. Indulge in complimentary treats at the Tower of Terror Courtyard, meet your favorite Frozen characters at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and discover even more surprises throughout the resort.
Read on for a detailed look at all the enchanting experiences awaiting you during Welcome Home Weeks!
Sweet Stop
Indulge in complimentary treats with the Sweet Stop offering. Members can choose from a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich, or fruit bar at select locations in Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror Courtyard
Dates: Mondays and Tuesdays, starting July 22, 2024
Dates: Thursdays and Fridays, starting July 25, 2024
Times: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Members eligible for Membership Extras can enjoy this benefit with up to four guests. A valid park admission and reservation are required, along with a DVC Digital Membership Card and photo ID. The member listed on the card must be present.
Welcome Home Wakeup
Start your mornings with fellow DVC members over coffee and a treat at select Walt Disney World Resort.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Top of the World Lounge
Dates and Times: Coming soon!
Eligibility: Members with a reservation at Bay Lake Tower, plus four guests or the number of guests on the reservation
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Reunion Station
Dates and Times: Coming soon!
Eligibility: Members with a reservation at Boulder Ridge Villas or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, plus four guests or the number of guests on the reservation
A DVC Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required at check-in.
Character Close-Ups
Meet your favorite Disney characters at immersive events themed to “Frozen” at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Ballroom Fantasia J
Dates: July 22, July 23, July 29, July 30, August 12, and August 13, 2024
Times: Coming soon!
Parking: No resort parking; use Disney transportation
Members with a Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation can attend with up to four guests. A DVC Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required.
Parking: No resort parking; use Disney transportation
Members with a Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation can partake with up to four guests. A DVC Digital Membership Card and photo ID are required. Limit one serving per person per week.
Mobile Order Discount
Receive a 20% discount on a mobile order at select quick-service dining locations in Walt Disney World Resort.
Dates: July 22, 2024, through August 24, 2024
Times: Dining operating hours
Eligibility for Membership Extras is required, and each eligible member can use the discount once. Check back for the offer code and instructions.
Disney Vacation Club Members are you excited for the new Welcome Home Weeks experience?
Drunk Guest Assaults Cast Member outside Space 220 in EPCOT
A disturbing incident at EPCOT’s Space 220 Restaurant was captured on social media, showing the aftermath of a fight involving a drunk guest who reportedly assaulted a Cast Member. TikTok user Alexis.Ringel shared footage of two shirtless men outside the restaurant, one wielding a metal stanchion he had allegedly ripped from the ground.
The videos, while not showing the fight itself, depict the escalating chaos as the armed guest becomes increasingly aggressive, swinging the stanchion at onlookers. Security eventually intervenes, handcuffing both men and forcefully removing them from the scene amid a flurry of shouting and resistance.
This incident highlights the potential for unruly behavior even in the seemingly magical setting of Disney World, serving as a reminder of the importance of responsible conduct and respect for others while enjoying the parks.
According to Report Disney World Food Prices Have Out-Paced Inflation
Hold onto your Mickey ears! A new report by Finance Buzz reveals that food prices at Walt Disney World have skyrocketed a whopping 61% over the past 10 years. That’s significantly higher than the 56% increase in single-park ticket prices during the same period. Even more surprising, the average inflation rate for the last decade was only 32%. This means a trip to the “happiest place on Earth” is getting pricier, especially when it comes to snacks and treats.
“Prices for every single item have risen by at least $1.50, with most going up by at least $2 since 2014,” Finance Buzz wrote in its study. “But while food costs have skyrocketed, the base price for the most affordable Disney World tickets has remained remarkably stable, going up just $19 from 2014 to 2024.”
To crunch the numbers, researchers used the Wayback Machine, a digital archive, to compare current food and beverage prices on the Walt Disney World website with historical prices listed on older versions of the site.
Get ready for sticker shock! Beloved treats like the Dole Whip dessert and the Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bar have seen price hikes of 58% and 63% respectively over the past decade.
Next time you visit Disney World, you might want to eat first or take your own food in with you!
New Seating Added to the San Angel Inn at the Mexico Pavilion
EPCOT’s San Angel Inn Restaurante just got a refresh! The indoor Mexican dining spot (think Blue Bayou of Disneyland) by the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride boasts improved lighting and new upholstery on the seats for an even more delightful experience.
While the charming ambiance included dimmed lighting, it could occasionally make maneuvering your fork a bit of an adventure. Additionally, the table layout offered a lively atmosphere, but some might have preferred a more intimate setting.
Double-duty bench seating flanks each table, creating a booth-like experience for guests on both sides. Rich, dark wood benches with pops of red on the backs and brown seats offer comfortable seating. Complementing them are lighter wood chairs, most featuring a stylish new burgundy quatrefoil pattern on the backs.
To guide arriving guests, a new park entrance sign featuring the updated EPCOT logo has been installed near the bus stop area. Positioned slightly back on the grass, the sign includes a helpful arrow pointing the way to the main park entrance.
Matching the park’s transformation, the new entrance sign features EPCOT’s recently updated logo in a sleek, outlined style. The sign itself reflects the park’s color scheme, with a gray base matching the lettering and a vibrant blue stripe echoing World Celebration, the first neighborhood guests encounter.
After years of anticipation, the grand opening of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza on June 10th marked the culmination of a multi-year reimagining. This exciting overhaul ushered in a new era for the park.
Farewell, Future World! Gone is the previous division, replaced by three distinct neighborhoods: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.
World Celebration takes center stage. This heavily transformed area showcases the all-new CommuniCores (replacing Innoventions East and West), Creations Shop, Connections Eatery & Cafe, and captivating gardens flourishing where the Fountain of Nations once stood.
Let me sprinkle some pixie dust on your Disney World trip! As your expert Disney travel agent, I’ll not only handle all the bookings and reservations, but I’ll also craft a personalized itinerary that maximizes your magical moments. From hidden Mickeys to secret dining reservations, I’ll ensure your Disney adventure is stress-free and unforgettable
Featuring the TTC logo in a palette of light and dark blues, the new trash cans proudly display the abbreviation “TTC” in a central circle surrounded by the full name “Transportation & Ticket Center”.
Along with the trash cans, there are also recycling cans. They are for paper, plastic, and cans, and painted in the same coloring as the trash cans.
The previous TTC trash cans mirrored the station’s former vibrant theme, sporting shades of purple, yellow, and teal.
The Transportation and Ticket Center, situated just across the Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom, serves as a central hub for park access. Guests can park their cars there and hop on a sleek Monorail or a scenic ferryboat to reach the Magic Kingdom. Additionally, Monorail lines connect the TTC to nearby Disney resort hotels and EPCOT, making it a convenient starting point for your Walt Disney World adventure.
Let me sprinkle some pixie dust on your Disney World trip! As your expert Disney travel agent, I’ll not only handle all the bookings and reservations, but I’ll also craft a personalized itinerary that maximizes your magical moments. From hidden Mickeys to Genie+ recommendations, I’ll ensure your Disney adventure is stress-free and unforgettable.
Food & Beverage Items Available at Universal CityWalk Hollywood for Studio Tour 60th Anniversary
Now through August 11, guests visiting Universal CityWalk Hollywood can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Studio Tour with special food and beverage items!
Mexican Fondue available at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana
Classic TV Dinner available at NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Mama’s Chicken Dinner available at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Studio Tour Tram available at Voodoo Doughnut
Retro Milkshakes available at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Dolce di Nonna available at VIVO Italian Kitchen
There are a selection of retro themed food and drink offerings at select locations including a special Studio Tour Dining Pass available for purchase inviting guests to enjoy two entrees and four drinks or snacks at participating theme park locations during their visit.
Ready to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Studio Tour? 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 an epic vacation.
Channel Your Inner Hundred Acre Wood Dweller with the Adorable Winnie the Pooh Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt!
Calling all Winnie the Pooh enthusiasts! The Disney Store has unveiled a must-have addition to your wardrobe, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (and everyone who sees it).
Available now at the Disney Store online for $64.99, this charming shirt is sure to become a treasured part of your wardrobe.
This sunshine-colored woven shirt boasts a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for layering or wearing on its own. But the true magic lies in the details: the entire front features delightful embroidered appliqués of Pooh Bear and his whole Hundred Acre Wood crew – Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, and Owl!
Dress it up with a skirt and heels for a touch of Disney magic, or keep it casual with jeans and sneakers. This Winnie the Pooh Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt is a versatile piece that lets you express your love for the Hundred Acre Wood in style.
So don’t wait, head over to the Disney Store or check their website and snag yours today!
