Universal Studios Hollywood is set to cast a spell on fans next spring with the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to its all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights! This magical after-hours event series promises to take fandom to new heights, offering an unforgettable celebration of some of the most iconic franchises in sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming. Joining the lineup alongside Star Trek, Back to the Future, and Dungeons & Dragons, the wizarding world is about to get a whole lot more magical.
Based on the sparse details that have been released so far, it appears Universal is pulling out all the stops with enchanting new Wizarding World experiences. Guests will have the chance to encounter a mischievous Niffler—known for its knack for pocketing shiny treasures—and other magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. This exclusive Niffler experience, first introduced at Universal Studios Japan, promises to be a highlight for fans eager to see the magical menagerie up close. So, grab your wands and prepare for a night full of spellbinding surprises!
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Universal Fan Fest Nights is bringing more than just wizardry to life. Trekkies can boldly go where no fan has gone before with an immersive Star Trek adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. Great Scott! Back to the Future fans can look forward to details being unveiled soon, and adventurers will roll the dice in themed Dungeons & Dragons experiences. With themed food, exclusive merchandise, and celebratory moments that bring these franchises to life, Fan Fest is the ultimate crossover event for the fandom universe.
Mark your calendars because this celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, and magic is a separately ticketed event coming to Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights in spring 2025. From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Fan Fest will deliver an immersive, after-hours experience that lets you step into the worlds of your favorite franchises like never before. Whether you’re a wizard, a Trekkie, or ready to jump into the DeLorean to head back to 1985, Universal Fan Fest Nights is a can’t-miss event for fans across the multiverse. Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to geek out like never before!
Construction is set to resume on Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge, a nature-inspired resort planned for the site of the former River Country water park, between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World. Originally announced in 2018, the resort is designed to reflect Walt Disney’s love of nature, featuring over 900 hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas, offering a serene, lakeside retreat.
First revealed at the 2019 D23 Expo, Reflections was billed as one of Disney’s most distinctive resorts, with unique accommodations such as treehouse suites and waterfront A-frame cabins that immerse guests in the natural beauty of Bay Lake. The resort will also include a Princess and the Frog-themed restaurant, set along a scenic bayou on the lake’s shore.
While the pandemic halted construction in 2020 and led to speculation that the project was canceled, a recent FAA permit for mobile cranes confirms the project is back on track. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2024, with cranes in operation through August 2025, signaling that Disney is moving forward with this highly anticipated resort.
Scary Teddy Popcorn Bucket and Madame Leota Straw Clip Coming to Disneyland in October
The popular Scary Teddy popcorn bucket from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World is making its way to Disneyland in October, along with a Madame Leota straw clip.
The Scary Teddy popcorn bucket, inspired by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” will be available at select Disneyland Resort locations starting October 3rd. This popular item, which debuted at Walt Disney World in September, will be available while supplies last. The Disney Eats Instagram account shared the news, but specific locations were not mentioned.
The Madame Leota straw clip, featuring her ghostly blue head inside a clear “crystal ball,” will be available at select Disneyland Resort locations starting October 3rd, while supplies last.
Southwest Airlines is Getting Even Better with New Seating Options and More
Southwest Airlines is shaking things up with a new look and feel. They’re introducing assigned seating, a revamped Rapid Rewards program, and exciting new vacation packages.
Southwest Airlines is introducing assigned seating options to enhance your travel experience. Our lowest fares will still include two free checked bags, no change or cancel fees, travel credits that never expire, and a seat assigned to you before your flight.
If you prefer to select your seat, including seats with extra legroom, you can purchase these options when booking your flight. Our boarding process will remain similar, with passengers boarding in order of position numbers and lining up by signage within the gate area.
Assigned seating will be available for booking in the second half of 2025 for travel starting in the first half of 2026.
All new 737 MAX 8 aircraft being delivered to Southwest feature larger overhead bins. Not only do the new bins provide more room for more carryon items, they’re easier to access when you’re boarding, and grabbing-and-going upon arrival. Southwest is also making steady progress on refitting its fleet with these larger overhead bins and expect that process to be complete in the next 2-3 years.
Whether you’re keeping the kids entertained, or working to complete an important presentation, more power at your fingertips is always a good thing. That’s why Southwest has included in-seat power ports on all new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and why they’ll be added to the existing MAX 8 and 737-800 planes in the next few years.
USB-A and USB-C ports: This means plenty of power to charge your electronics, including phones, tablets, and laptops.
Ports on each seat back: The illuminated ports are easy to see and easy to use, letting you charge up to two devices at once.
Getaways by Southwest
Southwest is introducing Getaways by Southwest™ in 2025. This is an entirely new vacation package offering only Southwest can deliver—with the unmatched, flexible policies you know and love. So, if plans change and you have to cancel your vacation, it’s a-okay on this vacay.
Rapid Rewards Program
Rapid Rewards Members will continue to enjoy Southwest’s industry-leading loyalty program. All Members will earn and redeem points at the same rate they do today, and Southwest will continue to offer no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability, and points that don’t expire.
NEW:A-List Preferred Members will be able to select all available seats at the time of booking, including extra legroom, at no additional cost.
NEW:A-List Members will be able to select all standard legroom seats at the time of booking with the opportunity to choose an extra legroom seat within 48 hours of departure, if available, at no additional cost.
All Tier Members will continue to enjoy their existing benefits like priority boarding, free same-day change, and same-day standby. There’s more to love and more details to come this November.
All Companion Pass holders will have the ability to select an available seat for their Companion when they travel together.
All Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive details in early 2025 on how their card benefits will be enhanced with the new changes. Until then, Cardmembers can continue to enjoy the benefits they currently have on their card.
Disney Wonder Cancels Upcoming South Pacific Stop Due to Storms and Civil Unrest
Two Disney cruise ships have had to change their itineraries due to weather and/or civil unrest. The Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy both altered their itineraries recently.
Disney Cruise Line has announced that its Disney Wonder ship will skip a planned stop in Nouméa, New Caledonia, on October 15 due to ongoing unrest in the French territory. The ship will instead spend an extra day at sea on its voyage from Honolulu to Sydney.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for New Caledonia, warning U.S. citizens to reconsider travel due to civil unrest and crime following recent riots. Despite its stunning natural beauty, including the world’s largest lagoon and second-largest barrier reef, Nouméa, the capital city, is currently experiencing disturbances.
Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Disney Fantasy ship was unable to visit Grand Cayman on Tuesday, September 24th. As a result, the ship spent the day at sea before heading to Falmouth, Jamaica. The Port Authority of the Cayman Islands had announced the closure of the port due to the inclement weather brought on by Helene.
Have you ever experienced an itinerary change while sailing with Disney Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed their next new ship
Norwegian Cruise Line, known for their innovative cruising experiences, has revealed their latest ship, the Norwegian Luna. This cutting-edge vessel is the newest member of their Prima Plus Class and is now open for reservations.
Norwegian Luna, the 21st ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, is now available for booking. This exciting new vessel will embark on Caribbean cruises from Miami starting in April 2026.
Choose from a variety of itineraries, including western Caribbean adventures to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize. The ship will also offer seven-day eastern Caribbean cruises, visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a brand-new pier by the end of 2025.
Norwegian Luna will be even larger and more spacious than its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. At over 1,000 feet long and with a capacity of approximately 3,550 guests, Luna will offer a 10% increase in size and capacity compared to these Prima Class ships.
Luna will be a sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, which is scheduled for delivery in March 2025. Both ships are being built by Fincantieri in Italy and feature stunning interior designs by world-renowned architects AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.
“Inspired by the relationship between the moon and the tides of the ocean, we are excited to introduce Norwegian Luna as the vessel that perfectly complements her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “The debut of Norwegian Luna truly showcases our ongoing commitment to providing guests more of what they enjoy and value – a brand-new ship with the latest, innovative offerings sailing to the beautiful, tropical destinations of the Caribbean. It’s important to give our guests more to see, more to do, more to enjoy on board and ultimately more out of their cruise vacation. We can’t wait for them to experience Norwegian Luna!”
The new ship will feature a striking hull art design by ELLE, a renowned street artist from Napa, California. ELLE, who has collaborated with brands like Nike, Reebok, and Ralph Lauren, created a piece titled “La Luna” specifically for Luna. This vibrant artwork explores humanity’s connection to the moon and will be prominently displayed on the ship’s bow, setting the stage for an unforgettable voyage of discovery.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line who has been known for showcasing stunningly designed hull art across its entire fleet,” said ELLE. “It’s been an incredible experience crafting this piece and knowing my 1,056-foot piece of artwork will sail across the seas, traveling the globe for all to see.”
Norwegian Luna will offer guests a thrilling experience, mirroring the upscale design of Norwegian Aqua. One of the highlights will be the Aqua Slidecoaster, a unique hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that will debut next year on Norwegian Aqua. This exhilarating attraction will feature dual slides, a magnetic lift, and twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.
In addition, Luna will feature the Glow Court, a digital sports complex that transforms into a nightclub in the evening. Guests will also enjoy other popular onboard activities like The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide, and the Stadium.
Norwegian Luna will offer guests the luxurious Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites, a new addition to The Haven by Norwegian®. These spacious suites, featuring separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a balcony, and three bedrooms, will be available for Haven guests.
Haven guests will enjoy exclusive amenities like 24-hour butler service, a concierge team, a private sundeck, an infinity pool, an outdoor spa, hot tubs, a lounge, and a bar serving premium spirits.
In addition to these exclusive Haven features, Norwegian Luna will also offer other popular NCL experiences, including Ocean Boulevard, Vibe Beach Club, Infinity Beach, and an upper pool deck with day beds.
The ship will also offer a variety of dining and bar experiences, including new additions like Sukhothai, a Thai specialty restaurant, and Indulge Food Hall, featuring 10 different food stations. Returning favorites include Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Onda by Scarpetta.
For drinks, guests can enjoy Whiskey Bar, Belvedere Bar, and Metropolitan, NCL’s modern Sail & Sustain cocktail bar, which won the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for “Best Beverage Menu.”
Ready to book your next cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship? 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 wonderful vacation.
The strawberry pie-filled beignet is filled with a strawberry cream and topped with strawberry glaze and chunks of strawberries. It’s available for $4.99 at Tiana’s Palace.
The beignet was delicious and satisfied our sweet tooth!
Bring The Heeler Fun To Life With Exclusive Bluey Build-A-Bear Collection!
Build-A-Bear Workshop is thrilled to introduce its inaugural Bluey collection, bringing the beloved Heeler family to life as cuddly plush companions. Fans of Bluey and Bingo will be delighted to create their own personalized versions of these adorable characters, complete with unique costumes and accessories.
The collection features two plush options: Bluey and Bingo. Bluey, the endlessly curious blue heeler puppy, is perfect for adventures and cuddling. Bingo, the enthusiastic and playful red heeler, is always ready for fun. Both plush characters come with their names embroidered on their paw pads, making them even more special.
To enhance the customization experience, Build-A-Bear offers a range of Bluey-inspired accessories. Fans can dress their plush characters in adorable Granny Rita and Granny Janet costumes, perfect for playing the popular “Grannies” game from the show. These costumes add a touch of playful charm and allow children to recreate their favorite Bluey moments.
With the Bluey Build-A-Bear collection, fans can bring their favorite characters to life and create personalized companions that will spark imagination and inspire creativity. Whether it’s playing games, going on adventures, or simply cuddling up on the couch, these plush toys will provide endless entertainment and joy.
Disney Eats Churro Collection: A Sweet Treat for Collectors
Get ready for a sprinkle of magic with the upcoming Disney Eats Churro Collection! This delightful collection is part of the 12-piece Stitch Attacks Snacks series, inspired by iconic Disney treats. The 10th release in this series will be available online at the Disney Store on October 8th at 8am PT.
One of the highlights of this collection is a charming backpack by Loungefly. This backpack boasts a glossy cream color with glossy brown accents, making it a stylish addition to any Disney fan’s wardrobe. The front pocket features a unique churro shaped like the iconic “D” for Disneyland, wrapped in the classic Mickey patterned red and white paper. The side pockets follow the same glossy color scheme and feature smaller churros on the edges, adding to the overall churro theme.
While we eagerly await the release of the Disney Eats Churro Collection, many fans are wondering if there will be a Walt Disney World version of the backpack. It would be a wonderful surprise to see a similar design with a WDW-inspired touch.
Of course, no Stitch Attacks Snacks collection would be complete without adorable plush toys. Stitch and Angel will be featured in their charming churro all-over print dress and shirt, respectively. These plush toys are the perfect companions for any Disney fan and a must-have for collectors.
Don’t miss out on this sweet treat for Disney fans! Mark your calendars for October 8th and get ready to add the Disney Eats Churro Collection to your collection.
Funko Unleashes Exclusive Disney & Marvel Treasures at New York Funko Comic Con 2024!
Get ready to expand your Funko universe with a collection of exclusive Disney and Marvel treasures unveiled for New York Funko Comic Con 2024. Funko’s booth (#1000) at the Javits Center will be your one-stop shop for these limited-edition finds, perfect for any fan!
First up, we have the highly anticipated Mr. Toad POP! figure ($14.99). This dapper amphibian arrives in all his finely-attired glory, ready to take a place of honor in your collection. While the 2024 NYCC Exclusive might not feature Mr. Toad on his infamous wild ride, his charm is undeniable. This 3.3-inch collectible will also be available online at Funko.com, so don’t miss out!
For fans of Tim Burton’s macabre masterpiece, Funko brings two exclusive Nightmare Before Christmas collectibles guaranteed to thrill. The “Til Death Do Us Part” NYCC Exclusive Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Coffin Mini Backpack ($90) is a hauntingly beautiful way to showcase your love for Jack Skellington and Sally. This detailed bag features magnetic flaps revealing the iconic couple, shiny metallic accents, adjustable straps, an embroidered epitaph, and a matching lining.
Those seeking a more compact piece can snag the NYCC Exclusive Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Coffin Large Card Holder ($30). Shaped like a coffin, this card holder boasts 4 card slots, a zippered pocket, intricate debossing, and an embroidered epitaph, all featuring Jack and Sally.
Marvel fans won’t be left out! Celebrate 50 years of Wolverine with the exclusive Pop! Wolverine figure ($14.99). This 3.78-inch vinyl bobblehead depicts Wolverine ready for action, a perfect addition to your X-Men collection. For a truly unique piece, check out the exclusive Deadpool on Zamboni Machine Funko Pop!. This super deluxe Pop! features Deadpool on his quest to find “Francis,” making it a must-have for any Deadpool aficionado.
Round out your collection with the exclusive Deadpool Backpack ($85) by Loungefly. This vibrant backpack features Deadpool making a heart with his hands – a surprisingly sentimental gesture from the Merc with a Mouth. Don’t miss this NYCC exclusive and add some Deadpool flair to your everyday carry!
Head over to Funko’s booth (#1000) at NYCC 2024 to grab these limited-edition treasures before they disappear!
Moana 2 Unveils New TV Spot with Sneak Peek at Original Song and Poster
A thrilling new TV spot for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2” has dropped, giving fans a glimpse of an original song titled “We’re Back” and a stunning new poster. The highly anticipated sequel, which reunites Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) for another epic adventure, is set to hit theaters on November 27th, 2024.
The new TV spot showcases Moana embarking on a daring voyage across the far reaches of Oceania, responding to an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. She’ll face uncharted waters and perilous challenges as she navigates a long-lost island said to hold the key to uniting her people.
Alongside Cravalho and Johnson, the film features returning stars Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Scherzinger reprising their roles as Gramma Tala, Chief Tui, and Sina, respectively. New additions to the voice cast include Hualālai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s crewmates Moni, Kele, and Loto. Awhimai Fraser voices the mysterious Matangi, Gerald Ramsey portrays Moana’s ancestor Tautai Vasa, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adorable little sister, Simea.
“Moana 2” is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with Christina Chen and Yvett Merino producing. The film boasts a remarkable musical score composed by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The screenplay is penned by Jared Bush and Miller, with executive production by Jennifer Lee, Bush, and Johnson.
The release of this new TV spot and poster has undoubtedly fueled the anticipation for “Moana 2,” promising a captivating and heartwarming continuation of Moana’s journey as she embraces her destiny and navigates the challenges that lie ahead.
Universal Orlando Announces More Closures Due to Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene’s impending arrival has prompted Universal Orlando Resort to implement several operational changes for Thursday, September 26th, prioritizing the safety of its guests and staff.
Here are the details:
Due to Hurricane Helene, Universal Orlando Resort is making the following operational changes for Thursday, Sept. 26:
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled.
Universal Volcano Bay is closed.
Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.
We anticipate a full reopening of our resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, Sept. 27.
If you have a Halloween Horror Nights single night dated ticket for Thursday, Sept. 26 it will be automatically honored for a single night use through Sunday, Sept. 29. All other HHN ticket questions can be directed to our Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080.
