Brightline Giving Away a 3-night trip to Universal Orlando

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August 23, 2024

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Brightline Giving Away a 3-night trip to Universal Orlando

Brightline is offering the adventure of a lifetime with their latest giveaway—a chance to win a 3-night trip to Universal Orlando Resort! For the first time ever, Brightline is giving away four incredible Getaway Prize packages, allowing lucky winners to dive into the immersive worlds of Universal’s unforgettable theme parks.

Enter for Your Chance to Win

If you’re 18 or older, you can enter for a chance to be one of four lucky winners. Each Getaway Prize package includes:

Three nights at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Enjoy comfortable accommodations right in the heart of the action, with retro theming and a range of amenities perfect for families.
Brightline PREMIUM round-trip tickets: Travel in style with Brightline’s premium service, offering a round-trip journey to Orlando, FL, from a Brightline station for you and up to three guests.
Ground transportation: Relax knowing that your transportation to and from the Brightline station and your hotel in Orlando is taken care of.
3-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park admission: Experience all three of Universal’s incredible parks—Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay—with Park-to-Park access for the entire family.

Entering is simple. Just fill out the entry form with your first name, last name, email address, and mailing address. By submitting your entry, you’ll also sign up to receive special offers and updates about upcoming events from Brightline.

Universal Studios Florida Mel's Drive-In

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Enter now for your chance to win a trip that promises non-stop excitement, adventure, and fun at Universal Orlando Resort!

Mears Connect Updates Coming this Fall

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Chris B

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August 23, 2024

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Mears Connect, the transportation service that operated the now-defunct Disney’s Magical Express service and stepped in to fill the void left by the sunsetting of Magical Express, is set to roll out some exciting updates this fall, enhancing the travel experience between Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World Resort.

This summer, Mears Connect delighted passengers by giving away collectible stickers featuring their iconic Connect buses, a gesture that quickly became a hit. However, the fun doesn’t stop there—there’s even more in store as the fall season approaches.

In September, Mears Connect will introduce a new activity book designed specifically for young travelers. The Mears Connect-themed books will come with crayons and feature 10 pages of engaging content, including stories about their charming animal characters—Doc, Fran, Frank, Thomas, and Maisy—along with puzzles and coloring activities. These books are sure to be a big hit with children, making the journey even more enjoyable for families.

The most significant update, however, will be the revamp of the in-ride video entertainment, a feature familiar to those who fondly remember Disney’s Magical Express. Mears Connect isn’t just refreshing its content; it’s enhancing the entire experience. While popular elements like the Mears Connect animal pals and trivia segments will remain, new content tailored for both arrivals and departures will be introduced. The goal is to ensure that Mears Connect becomes the first and last attraction of the trip, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride from start to finish.

Have you utilized the Mears Connect service during a recent Walt Disney World vacation? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Four Island-Themed Gardens will Offer Stunning Fireworks Views at Disney’s New Island Tower

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Chris B

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August 23, 2024

Four Island-Themed Gardens will Offer Stunning Fireworks Views at Disney's New Island Tower

Exciting new details have been announced for the Island Tower, currently under construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and slated to open later this year. Among the highlights are four exclusive island-themed terrace gardens that will offer guests a serene escape with stunning views.

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Each garden will feature unique artwork, lush foliage, and themed seating areas, making them the perfect spot for families to gather and enjoy picturesque views of Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses or the Seven Seas Lagoon. Best of all, these terraces will provide prime vantage points for viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Wailulu Bar and Moana Splash Area Coming to Disney's Polynesian Villas Island Tower 1 copy

As we previously reported, additional new details recently released by Disney include the Wailulu Bar & Grill, a Polynesian-inspired dining experience named after the Hawaiian words for “water” and “calm.” This restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor seating with breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella’s Castle.

Wailulu Bar and Moana Splash Area Coming to Disney's Polynesian Villas Island Tower 2 copy

Additionally, the Island Tower will boast a brand-new zero-entry Cove Pool and Moana’s Voyage splash area, where little ones can play alongside life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe. Both Disney Vacation Club members and guests at the Polynesian Village Resort will have access to these new aquatic features.

Aerial View of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America Ahead of Cars Retheme

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Chris B

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August 23, 2024

updated cars land concept map with landmarks

new cars land replacing rivers of america concept art

Disney announced during the recent D:23 event that Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom will soon make way for a new cars-themed expansion. Reaction to the news has been mixed, with many Disney fans welcoming the upgrade and addition to Magic Kingdom, while others wishing the planned expansion was planned in a way that did not sacrifice two classic attractions.

Since construction permits have been recently filed, we can expect work in this area to begin in the coming weeks. X User bioreconstruct shared some arial photos of the area ahead of the beginning of the demo work, affording us perhaps our last glimpse of the land as it currently stands.

Aerial photo of Frontierland.
Disney recently announced that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will be replaced by a Cars attraction. Concept art shows a guest walkway connecting the Big Thunder area and the Haunted Mansion area. pic.twitter.com/Dfkp15FODb
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 18, 2024

The arial photos show the Liberty Square Riverboat making a voyage around Rivers of America, with Tom Sawyer Island in the center. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is present in the top of the photo, with Big Thunder Mountain Railrod visible to the right side. Along the left side of the photo you can see the show building for Country Bear Jamboree as well as the Frontier Trading Post. The bottom right section of the photo shows the covered outdoor queue for Haunted Mansion, with the Mansion itself not readily apparent behind the trees.

bioreconstruct rivers of america tom sawyer island — photo credit: bioreconstruct on X

What are your thoughts on the Cars expansion coming at the expense of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island? Is this a welcomed change, or are you sad to see more classic Disney attractions being sacrificed to make way for new lands? Leave us a comment to let us know!

New Themed Pavement in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

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August 23, 2024

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Next time you are strolling through Adventureland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, you may want to take a few moments to look down. A newly themed pavement section has been introduced just beyond the bridge leading into Adventureland, right outside the exclusive Club 33 location. This new pathway, with its green, mossy texture, is drawing comparisons to the lush walkways found in Pandora – The World of Avatar over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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The attention to detail in this new pavement is impressive. Not only does it feature a rich, earthy design, but it also includes various embellishments such as cracks, embedded rocks, and animal prints, adding to the land’s storytelling.

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These embellishments are reminiscent of those found in Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus, where the pathways are adorned with circus animal prints and scattered peanuts. In Adventureland, however, the prints are a nod to the various animals that inhabit the area, such as the famous key-holding dog from Pirates of the Caribbean, the myriad birds that Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room home, and the various animals that inhabit the legendary Jungle Cruise.

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This is not the only upgrade to the pavement in Adventureland over the past few years, with the pavement outside of the former Shootin Arcade receiving an upgrade recently, and sections of green embellshed pavement installed back during the 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.

Guest Sues Disney World Over “Stampede” Injury at Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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August 23, 2024

Guest Sues Disney World Over Stampede Injury at Magic Kingdom

Tourist Sues Disney World Over “Stampede” Injury at Magic Kingdom

A Pennsylvania tourist, Debra O’Steen, is suing Walt Disney World after she was allegedly injured in a “stampede” of people at Magic Kingdom on June 25th. The lawsuit, filed last week in Orange County, claims that Disney was negligent in managing the large crowds, leading to O’Steen being “knocked over” and sustaining injuries.

The incident reportedly occurred on Main Street during a busy day at the park, with two major events – the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks show – taking place. The lawsuit doesn’t specify which event the crowd was rushing towards.

O’Steen claims to have suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and incurred hospitalization expenses and lost wages as a result of the incident. She is seeking damages and a jury trial.

While Disney’s website outlines various security measures in place at its parks, including uniformed police officers and crowd control measures, it doesn’t provide specific details on crowd management protocols.

FOX 35 has reached out to Walt Disney World for comment on the lawsuit and further information regarding their crowd control safety procedures, but has not yet received a response.

Pirates of the Caribbean Clock Tower Refurbishment Complete in the Magic Kingdom

By

Sara

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August 22, 2024

Pirates of the Caribbean Clock Tower Refurbishment Complete in the Magic Kingdom

The iconic Torre del Cielo clock tower at Pirates of the Caribbean has been fully restored! As this beloved landmark shines once again, construction on the highly anticipated new Pirates tavern continues. We can’t wait to see this exciting addition to the ride experience.

The scrim surrounding Torre del Cielo has been removed, marking the completion of the clock tower’s restoration. This extensive project lasted approximately eight months.

The clock tower now boasts a fresh coat of brown paint, seamlessly blending with the Castillo del Morro building that houses Pirates of the Caribbean. This new look replaces the previous off-white color with weathered accents.

The refurbishment of Pirates of the Caribbean has also included a significant change to the roof. The blue shingles have been replaced with maroon tiles, creating a more cohesive appearance with the Castillo del Morro building.

Construction at Pirates of the Caribbean has impacted Adventureland operations. The Jack Sparrow meet and greet was temporarily relocated to the outside of Tortuga Tavern, which has since reopened as Tortuga Treasures. While initial speculation suggested that the Pirates tavern would replace Tortuga Tavern, ongoing construction indicates otherwise.

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Celebrate the Harvest Festival at Galaxy’s Edge with these Tasty Treats

By

Sara

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August 22, 2024

Celebrate the Harvest Festival at Galaxy’s Edge with these Tasty Treats

Get ready for a galactic feast! Disney Eats has unveiled a new menu of delicious treats coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland for the Batuu Harvest Festival.

A classic returns! The Endorian Roasted Chicken Salad is back on the menu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for Batuu Harvest Festival. This flavorful salad features marinated chicken, mixed greens, roasted veggies, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and a tangy green curry ranch.

One new item at Batuu Harvest Festival is the Surabat Valley Harvest Board. It features torched sourdough bread, aji verde-infused pork spread, and spicy salsa criolla. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

Indulge in the new Jogan Seed Oi-Oi Puff! This delightful dessert features a green cream puff with a green crunch and ube creme. It’s the perfect way to finish off your Batuu Harvest Festival meal.

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Ready to plan an out of this world trip to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today to get started! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.

Sip, Dream and Explore With The New Pocahontas Owala Water Bottle!

By

Ana Leal

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August 22, 2024

Sip, Dream and Explore With The New Pocahontas Owala Water Bottle!

Get ready to add a touch of magic to your hydration routine with Owala’s newest Color Drop: Pocahontas. Inspired by the Disney classic, this limited-edition Pocahontas Owala water bottle captures the spirit of the film’s iconic heroine.

The Pocahontas Color Drop will be available for purchase on August 27th at 10am CST on the Owala website.

The Pocahontas Color Drop features a mesmerizing ombre design, transitioning from a vibrant purple to a soft peach. To complete the enchanting look, colorful leaves dance around the bottle, reminiscent of the wind carrying Pocahontas’ spirit. The lid echoes the same captivating color palette, showcasing a mix of peach, purple, and green hues.

This special Color Drop will be available exclusively in the popular 32oz style, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout your day. Priced at $37.99, the Pocahontas Owala is a must-have for Disney fans and anyone seeking a touch of whimsy in their everyday life.

Mark your calendars! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Disney magic!

Credit: Owala

Mischief is in Your Hands With The Stitch Inspired Playing Cards by Bicycle!

By

Ana Leal

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August 22, 2024

Mischief is in Your Hands With The Stitch Inspired Playing Cards by Bicycle!

Get ready to add a touch of Hawaiian mayhem to your next game night with the all-new Stitch Inspired Playing Cards by Bicycle.

For just $7.99, you can bring the spirit of “Ohana” (family) home and unleash some playful chaos with this unique deck. Head over to bicyclecards.com to snag your set before they’re gone!

Forget the standard, boring card case. Here, Stitch makes a dramatic entrance, literally tearing through the tuckbox in a burst of mischievous energy. It’s a clear sign that playtime with this deck is anything but ordinary!

The fun doesn’t stop at the tuckbox. Stitch, everyone’s favorite blue genetic experiment, makes his presence known throughout the entire deck. Prepare to find him causing playful havoc among the pips on the number cards. You might even catch him interacting with his “boojiboo,” Angel, on the custom-designed court cards!

This isn’t just a novelty deck. Bicycle is renowned for its quality playing cards, and the Stitch deck is no exception. Crafted with the brand’s signature Air Cushion Finish™, these cards offer smooth handling and superior performance, ensuring a delightful playing experience alongside the Stitch-themed thrills.

So, gather your friends and family, shuffle up the deck, and get ready for a game night filled with laughter and a touch of Stitch’s unique brand of mischief. With the Stitch Inspired Playing Cards by Bicycle, every hand is an adventure!

Credit: Bicycle Cards

Wailulu Bar and Moana Splash Pad Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Villas Island Tower

By

Chris B

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August 22, 2024

Disney has announced new details about the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the latest addition to the Disney Vacation Club, set to open in December 2024. The Island Tower will introduce exciting new features, including the Wailulu Bar & Grill, a dining venue offering a blend of Polynesian-inspired dishes and classic American fare. With its flowing water features, lava rock-inspired bar, and views of Cinderella Castle and Seven Seas Lagoon, Wailulu Bar & Grill is set to become a standout destination for guests looking to enjoy a meal or a drink in a beautiful setting.

In addition to the new dining experience, the Island Tower will bring enhanced amenities to the resort. The Cove Pool area will offer a serene escape with a sandy beach courtyard, a whirlpool spa, and picturesque views of the lagoon. Families will be thrilled by Moana’s Voyage, a new splash area featuring a playful Moana figure and interactive water elements, perfect for younger guests.

These additions will complement the existing amenities at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, including the Lava Pool with its volcano, waterfall, and 142-foot-long waterslide, as well as the tranquil Oasis Pool. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, from volleyball and guided fishing excursions to motorboat rentals on Seven Seas Lagoon. Evenings will continue to be magical with campfire activities, the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and the enchanting Electrical Water Pageant on the lagoon.

Construction Update for Cotino, the First Storyliving by Disney Community

By

Chris B

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August 22, 2024

Construction Update for Cotino, the First Storyliving by Disney Community 1

Disney has provided a first look at the construction progress in their first Storyliving Community

Construction is moving swiftly at Cotino, Disney’s first Storyliving community in California’s Coachella Valley. Located in Rancho Mirage, this new neighborhood is beginning to take shape with the completion of key elements.

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The first model homes, built by Shea Homes, are nearly finished and showcase three distinct design collections. The Agrarian Collection combines natural materials with contemporary design, while the Oasis Collection draws inspiration from mid-century modern architecture. Nearby, Woodbridge Pacific Group is also constructing homes in the Aspiron Collection, featuring modern materials and vibrant colors.

The main entrance to Cotino, set against the San Jacinto mountains, is under construction, offering a welcoming blend of natural and man-made elements. Within the community, Longtable Park is coming to life as a central gathering spot, inspired by Walt Disney’s love for the Coachella Valley.

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The Artisan Club, a future social hub for residents, is also progressing, with plans to include a pool, dining options, and fitness facilities. As construction advances, Cotino is quickly transforming into a vibrant community that blends Disney magic with desert living. Stay tuned for more updates as Cotino prepares to welcome its first residents.