Disney World Refurbishment and Closure Schedule for April 2024

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April 21, 2024

Disney World Refurbishment and Closure Schedule for April 2024

To maintain the sparkle and safety of its attractions, Walt Disney World undergoes regular refurbishments. They understand the importance of minimizing guest impact, so they strive to complete these updates during less busy times. This helps ensure a truly magical experience for everyone! Take a look at what is closed in April 2024.

Magic Kingdom

Country Bear Jamboree closed on January 27, 2024, and will reopen this summer with a new Country Bear Musical Jamboree Show. Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! The Country Bear Jamboree is getting a musical makeover. Hold on to your hats as the lovable bears put their own country spin on favorite Disney tunes!

Also in Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain is being transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new attraction is scheduled to open this summer!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Voyage of the Little Mermaid is still closed but Disney has announced that a new Little Mermaid show is in the works!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on January 8, 2024, and is still closed for refurbishment. There is no set reopening date but based on the Disney World calendar it looks like it’ll be closed through mid-June.

Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie will be closing on April 29, 2024, and will reopen on May 25, 2024.

Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom don’t have any current closures for this month.

Dreaming of a magical Disney vacation? Look no further! I’m a Disney-certified travel agent with Destinations to Travel, and I can help you plan an unforgettable trip at no cost to you. From finding the perfect resort to snagging dining reservations, I’ll handle all the details so you can focus on the pixie dust.

Contact me today and let’s make your Disney dreams a reality!

Bluey Introduces First Same-Sex Couple

By

Catherine

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April 20, 2024

Bluey Introduces First Same-Sex Couple

Eagle-eyed viewers of the beloved children’s cartoon Bluey believe they’ve spotted a subtle nod to LGBTQ+ families in the season three finale, “The Sign.”

During the episode, Bluey’s friend Pretzel mentions, “When my guinea pig ran away, my mums told me he might come back, but he didn’t.” This seemingly brief reference to “mums” has sparked discussion among fans, with some praising the show for potentially introducing a same-sex couple.

Australian Bluey fan Margie took to TikTok to celebrate the possible inclusion. “[It’s] the one thing missing from the show,” she said in the video, while acknowledging it’s an easy-to-miss detail. Margie explained she only noticed it upon rewatching with subtitles, which clearly display “mums” instead of the singular “mum.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@aussiegirlmargie/video/7357738773808958762?refer=embed

Margie applauds the show’s approach, calling it “a really nice and organic way to do it.” She adds, “I think a lot of people will miss it, but overall they handled it really well.”

While the creators haven’t officially confirmed Pretzel’s family structure, the detail has resonated with viewers who appreciate the positive representation of diverse families. You can watch Bluey “The Sign” out now on Disney+.

Ultimate Guide to Tangled, Frozen & Peter Pan Merch coming to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney

By

Sara

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April 20, 2024

Ultimate Guide to Tangled, Frozen & Peter Pan Merch coming to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney

Get ready to set sail for Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea! Less than 50 days from now, on June 6th, this enchanting new area will open its doors, bringing beloved Disney stories to life. But the fun starts even earlier – a week before the grand opening, on May 28th, you can get your hands on the all-new Fantasy Springs merchandise!

Prepare to be dazzled by treasures inspired by Peter Pan, Frozen, and Tangled. Take a look at everything you will find in the collections!

Enter a world of Disney fantasy

This beautiful new port is the perfect inspiration for charming postcards, keychains, bags, shirts and so much more!

There will even be some tasty sweets, chocolate and cookies that you can bring home!

Merch fit for royalty

“Frozen” fans, rejoice! Inspired by the kingdom of Arendelle, you can grab a mirror and plush set that even comes with a tag reading “ARENDELLE CRAFTED.” There are so many options themed to the Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey attraction in Frozen Kingdom.

And inspired by Queen Elsa’s coronation invitation, you can buy plates, cups and saucers, plus headbands inspired by the royal sisters themselves, Anna and Elsa!

Boat trip worthy apparel and more!

Enjoy the “best day ever” with merch in shades of purple and pink! Try on the ”Tangled
“-inspired headband, perfect for your visit to Rapunzel’s Forest or grab a hand towel and some hand cream to take with you.

From apparel like t-shirts and shoulder bags to a light-up planetarium toy that makes your home look like a part of Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, we’ve got a dream to buy one of everything.

Accessories, clothing and more for your swashbuckling adventures

Hands up — who else can’t wait for all things Peter Pan’s Never Land?! Elevate your daily cup of coffee with a mug that looks as if it was made from scrap wood and washed ashore. You can even grab a tumbler that casts a shadow in the shape of Peter Pan when laid down.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an honorary Lost Kid, now is your chance! You’ll be able to find t-shirts and caps with ears, and tails!

Tinker Bell approved stationery and more

Pick up an adorable plush charm, a t-shirt with wings on the back that glow in the dark, a shoulder bag, and Tinker Bell approved stationery that will make you feel as if you’ve transported straight to Pixie Hollow.

Cozy loungewear, cushions and more themed to Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel

And last, but not least, there’s even merch themed to the brand-new Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel! For those staying at the hotel, find exclusive postcard sets featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to document your adventures, loungewear, scarves and more. We’ll take one of everything!

We simply can’t wait for June 6! As one of the biggest expansions since Tokyo DisneySea opened over 20 years ago, Fantasy Springs marks the next big milestone as Disney Experiences continues to turbocharge growth over the next decade (and beyond!).

Disney World & Universal Orlando Accident and Injury Report for First Quarter of 2024

By

Sara

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April 20, 2024

Disney World & Universal Orlando Accident and Injury Report for First Quarter of 2024

A recent state accident and injury report raised safety concerns at Orlando theme parks. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando both reported injuries from January to March 2024, including leg injuries, difficulty breathing, and fainting on rides.

The report lists eight guest injuries at Disney World and two at Universal Orlando in the first three months of 2024. Take a look.

A 63-year-old guest visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom in January sustained a leg injury while exiting the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicle.

Also in January, a 70-year-old park visitor fell and hurt their leg while entering Epcot’s Spaceship Earth ride.

A 46-year-old guest experienced nausea and head pain following a ride on the Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster at Magic Kingdom in January.

Also in Magic Kingdom, during a ride on Space Mountain in January, a female guest lost consciousness.

The report also detailed four incidents potentially linked to pre-existing conditions. In January, a 73-year-old man fainted after exiting Spaceship Earth. February saw a 68-year-old woman experience difficulty breathing following Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios. Another incident involved a 44-year-old woman having a seizure after experiencing Frozen Ever After at Epcot in March. Finally, a 29-year-old guest lost consciousness on Summit Plummet, a water slide at Blizzard Beach, in February.

A 56-year-old man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure experienced an altered state of consciousness after riding Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, a drop ride.

At Universal Studios, a 38-year-old guest reported experiencing an altered state of consciousness after riding Transformers: The Ride – 3D, a motion simulator attraction.

Have you ever experienced an injury or accident while visiting an Orlando theme park?

Source

Disney World Receives First MICHELIN Star for Victoria & Albert’s

By

Sara

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April 20, 2024

Disney World Receives First MICHELIN Star for Victoria & Albert’s

A momentous occasion! Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa takes center stage with a prestigious Michelin Star, the first ever for Walt Disney World. Adding to the celebration, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez is recognized with the 2024 Florida Service Award. These achievements solidify Victoria & Albert’s as a true culinary masterpiece. Huge congratulations to the entire team for their dedication and exceptional talent!

For over 20 years, Victoria & Albert’s has been dazzling guests with a multi-course experience, filled with extraordinary flavors and the highest quality of ingredients from across the world. Beyond the culinary creations in the kitchen, the team has curated a world-class wine collection featuring more than 500 different selections. Sommeliers are there to guide you through this precisely selected collection – or recommend options from a zero-proof beverage menu – to create your perfect pairing.

The culinary team upholding this long beloved and revered legacy is led by Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers, with nearly 20 years spent at Victoria & Albert’s and experience assisting in the creation of acclaimed menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Alongside him handling the sweeter side of the kitchen is Pastry Chef Ally Rogers, who leads the entire pastry team for the resort.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by MICHELIN for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria & Albert’s,” said Chef Matthew. “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”

For over 20 years, Sommelier Israel Perez, now the recipient of the 2024 Florida Service Award, has been dedicated to creating memorable experiences at signature restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort. As the maître d’hotel, Israel and his team ensure that each person who walks through the doors of Victoria & Albert’s has a perfect evening through each step of service.

“Just like a dance, there are many tiny steps that come naturally after years of dedication. Everything is done with purpose, and it is beautiful when the tempo is perfect,” said Israel.

Overseeing culinary operations and teams of the 13 food and beverage locations at this resort is Executive Chef Kevin Chong. Last but certainly not least is Culinary Director Chef Scott Hunnel, who was at the helm of Victoria & Albert’s for many years and now provides his expertise and mentorship to culinary teams across multiple Disney Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition to now being the first and only restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination to hold a MICHELIN Star, Victoria & Albert’s is the sole location in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond, consecutively since 2000, and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, consecutively since 2018, and one of only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction. It has also been awarded Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional.

Congratulations to this talented team on these exceptional achievements!

Dreaming of a magical Disney vacation? Let me be your guide! I’ll help craft the perfect itinerary for your interests and budget, from finding the best resort to scoring those hard-to-get dining reservations. Plus, I’ll keep my eye out for deals and discounts to save you some pixie dust! With my expertise, you can relax and focus on the most important part: making memories that last a lifetime. Contact me to start planning!

Enchanting Belle Decorative Pillow Available At Hollywood Studios!

By

Ana Leal

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April 19, 2024

Enchanting Belle Decorative Pillow Available At Hollywood Studios!

This gorgeous Belle Decorative Pillow is now available at Hollywood Studios for $39.99! It will make a great decor piece in your home, adding a touch of enchantment plus you can choose to showcase it with Belle’s face or fancy all over roses pattern.

One side of the pillow is dark blue with Belle’s face and embroidered details of roses and other floral icons. On the opposite side you will find an all over filigree design featuring the enchanted rose and other details in gold and green.

You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Disney Princess Pins Now At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

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April 19, 2024

New Disney Princess Pins Now At Magic Kingdom!

Are you a pin collector? Check out these new Disney Princess Pins we found at Magic Kingdom for $14.99 each! They could also make great additions to a denim jacket themed to only Disney Princesses.

These designs feature the profiles of princesses like Snow White, Cinderella and Belle with yellow and purple backgrounds inside a silver frame that showcases different icons unique to each princess, for example the poison apple, the pumpkin coach or a book.

Other designs include Jasmine, Tiana and Rapunzel with pink, green and blue backgrounds and same silver frame with icons corresponding to each princess, you might even spot Ray and Pascal!

Take a closer look at these pins in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Canada Pavilion Merch Spotted At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

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April 19, 2024

New Canada Pavilion Merch Spotted At Epcot!

We stopped by the Canada pavilion in Epcot and found new Canada Pavilion Merch, most of it inspired in the hockey team. From t-shirts to spirit jerseys and bags and home decor, there’s something for everyone, take a look:

In the apparel section, we found t-shirts, sweatshirts and a spirit jersey all in gray and red tones with different phrases like “I love Hockey”, “I’d Rather Be Playing Hockey”, “There’s Always Time For Hockey” or just Canada World Showcase in the spirit jersey.

For accessories, we found a backpack with a buffalo plaid pattern featuring Mickey icons and maple leaves plus the Canada logo across the front. There was also a stainless steel travel tumbler, and a wine topper.

You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

Universal Orlando Florida Resident Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days Free

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2024

Universal-Orlando-Resort-Destination-Scope-Image

Living in Florida comes with a ton of perks, and having Universal Orlando Resort practically in your backyard is definitely one of the biggest! Your next trip to Universal Orlando is about to get even more epic thanks to the Florida Resident “Buy 2 Days, Get 2 Days FREE” offer

This incredible deal lets you turn two park days into four! That’s right, Florida residents can purchase a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket and score an additional two FREE days to explore the exhilarating worlds of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Get ready to face the formidable foes alongside the Avengers in Marvel Universe, brave the hair-raising twists of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and journey through the fantastical lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley. The possibilities for fun are endless!

Here’s what you need to know:

This offer is exclusively for Florida residents (with valid ID).
Purchase a 2-Park, 2-Day ticket and receive two additional days FREE.
Unleash your inner hero and explore both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Experience epic rides, captivating shows, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Book your tickets online – this offer is not available at the front gate.
Tickets must be used by December 18th, 2024.
Blockout dates and restrictions apply. Be sure to check the details before you book.
Want to visit Volcano Bay as well? No problem you can upgrade these tickets to include Volcano Bay for an additional fee!

Diagon-Alley-Escape-from-Gringotts-Entrance

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Universal Orlando’s website and start planning your epic theme park adventure today!

Disney Partners with Make a Wish & American Airlines for World Wish Month

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2024

disney-world-american-airlines-make-a-wish-2

In a heartwarming display of collaboration, Disney, Make-A-Wish America, and American Airlines joined forces to grant the wishes of 28 critically ill children during World Wish Month. These lucky youngsters and their families embarked on a magical journey to Walt Disney World Resort aboard a special chartered “Wish Flight” departing from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

disney-world-american-airlines-make-a-wish-1

Orlando International Airport (MCO) celebrated the milestone arrival on their official Instagram account (FlyMCO), welcoming the “Wish Flight” with a special message: “Welcome to Orlando, Wish Flight!✨ In celebration of World Wish Month, our friends @makeawishamerica, in partnership with @americanair and Disney, have granted the wishes of 28 children and their families to visit @waltdisneyworld! It was a pleasure to celebrate their arrival on a one-of-a-kind, chartered flight from DFW. Wishing everyone an incredible experience and the most magical time.”

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This heartwarming initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration in fulfilling dreams. Make-A-Wish, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with critical illnesses, partnered with Disney, known for its world-class theme parks and dedication to creating magical memories, to make these special trips a reality. American Airlines played a crucial role by generously donating a chartered aircraft and contributing to the overall travel experience.

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This special “Wish Flight” serves as a beacon of hope and joy, reminding us of the importance of granting wishes and creating lasting memories for children facing significant challenges. The combined efforts of Disney, Make-A-Wish, and American Airlines have undoubtedly made a world of difference for these deserving families. You can check out more photos from the Wish Flight over on Orlando International Airport’s FlyMCO Instagram Account.

Disney World Changes to Theme Park Hours in Early May

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2024

The month of May at Walt Disney World is about to be bursting with even more magic thanks to extended park hours across several parks! Mark your calendars and get ready to conquer rides, experience dazzling shows, and create lasting memories under the Florida sunshine (and maybe some starry skies too!).

Magic Kingdom

Calling all Magic Kingdom fans! Get ready for some extra pixie dust sprinkled on your early May visit. From May 5th to 9th, the park will be extending its hours, staying open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. This gives you an extra hour to conquer your favorite rides, enjoy magical shows, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. But wait, there’s more! May 6th, 10th, and 11th see Magic Kingdom extending its hours even further, staying open from 9:00 am to a whopping 11:00 pm! That’s two extra hours to explore Fantasyland after dark, experience the dazzling nighttime spectaculars, journey into the grid via Tron: Lightcycle Run, or grab a delicious late-night meal.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Calling all animal adventurers! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also joining the extended hours party in early May. May 5th, 6th, 10th, and 11th see the park extending its hours to 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. This gives you an extra hour to explore the wonders of nature, observe incredible animals, and experience thrilling rides like Avatar: Flight of Passage. May 7th, 8th, and 9th will operate on their regular schedule of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Calling all Hollywood hopefuls! Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting in on the action too! May 10th and 11th see the park extending its hours to 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. This gives you an extra hour to catch your favorite shows, ride thrilling attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and soak up the Hollywood atmosphere.

Maximize Your Early May Disney World Visit

With these extended park hours, you have more opportunities to experience all the magic Disney World has to offer. Here are some tips to maximize your early May visit:

Be strategic with your park hopping: If you’re planning on park hopping, take advantage of the parks with extended hours to maximize your time.
Utilize Disney Genie+ (subject to availability): The Genie+ Service can help you save time waiting in line, allowing you to experience more during your extended park hours.
Download the My Disney Experience App: Stay up-to-date on wait times, show schedules, and character meet-and-greets to optimize your time.
Pack for the evenings: Early May evenings in Florida can still be warm, so pack comfortable clothing and sunscreen. If you’re staying late, consider bringing a light jacket for when the temperature begins to cool down.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Dezerland Park Introduces New Lineup of Weekly and Daily Specials

By

Chris B

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April 19, 2024

Central Florida families (and friends!) feeling the pinch at the pump? Dezerland Park hears you loud and clear! With the cost of entertainment on the rise, Dezerland Park is stepping up to the plate with a brand new lineup of weekly and daily specials, making a fun day out (or night!) a whole lot more affordable.

“We understand that everyone’s looking for ways to save these days,” says Soren Schomburg, General Manager of Dezerland Park. “That’s why we’re excited to introduce these new deals, offering guests of all ages a chance to experience the thrills and spills of Dezerland Park without breaking the bank!”

Daily Dose of Deals:

Movie Car Monday: Calling all car buffs and movie magic enthusiasts! Each week, the Orlando Auto Museum will showcase a new Hollywood car. To celebrate, enjoy a whopping 50% off your museum admission all day long!
Tuesday 2 for $22: Grab a friend or your special someone and head to Dezerland Park on Tuesdays. For just $22, you both can conquer any two attractions, including the Orlando Auto Museum, Pinball Palace, and Toxic Blast.
War Zone Wednesday: Gear up for savings on Dezerland Park’s newest attraction, Toxic Blast! On Wednesdays, unleash your inner soldier with 45 minutes of action and unlimited “gellet” hoppers for only $25 (a sweet $10 discount!).
Thursday College Night: Calling all college students! Show off your ID on Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm and score 50% off Go-Karting, Pinball Palace, The Orlando Auto Museum, and Toxic Blast Arena. Plus, get 25% off on 30 minutes of axe throwing at Axcelsior and Verse Orlando’s mind-blowing augmented reality experiences. And to top it all off, Dezerland Park extends their Happy Hour just for you! (Note: Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.)
Friday Family Fun Day: Round up the whole crew and head to Dezerland Park for Friday Family Fun Day! Families of four or more can enjoy 25% off Pinball Palace, The Orlando Auto Museum, Toxic Blast, Axcelsior, and Verse Orlando.
Sip & Play Sunday: The fun doesn’t end on Sundays! Every week, unwind and play your favorite pinball games for half price during Pinball Palace’s Happy Hour, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Weekly Savings on Top of the Daily Fun:

In addition to these daily deals, Dezerland Park offers even more ways to save:

Stub & Save: Got a Cinemark movie ticket stub? Show it at Axcelsior and shave $5 off your 30-minute axe throwing session.
Pinball Palace Happy Hour: Weekdays (Monday-Friday) and Sundays, enjoy beer specials while you rack up points at Pinball Palace during Happy Hour (6 pm to 8 pm weekdays and 11 am to 3 pm Sundays).
Rainy Day Blues? No Worries! Florida weather can be unpredictable, but your fun doesn’t have to be! Whenever it’s raining on I-Drive, head indoors to Dezerland Park and enjoy 25% off the Orlando Auto Museum, Pinball Palace, and Toxic Blast.

Plus, Dezerland Park offers everyday discounts for active duty and retired military, first responders, seniors, and college students with valid ID.

Plus, Dezerland Park offers everyday discounts for active duty and retired military, first responders, seniors, and college students with valid ID.

Ready to experience the Dezerland Park difference? Head over to https://dezerlandpark.com/ for more information and start planning your budget-friendly adventure!