Disney Cast Members Celebrate the Reopening of 1900 Park Fare

By

-

April 10, 2024

Disney Cast Members Celebrate the Reopening of 1900 Park Fare

1900 Park Fare reopened today at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Guests can once again enjoy dining at this iconic restaurant. Before it reopened, cast members got to see the new refreshed look of the dining spot.

The Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook grouped shared images of Cast Members getting a first look at the refresh.

A new look for the dining room pays homage to the late Victorian period, with art reminiscent of this golden era. Carousel theming is woven throughout the decor, recalling carefree times spent in gardens and fairgrounds enjoying jolly times outdoors.

Guests can still enjoy the sight of Big Bertha, the Grand Floridian’s iconic organ, gracing the main dining room since 1988. Her presence adds to the restaurant’s charming late Victorian atmosphere and complements the playful carousel theme that runs throughout 1900 Park Fare.

1900 Park Fare has been closed since the Walt Disney World Resort closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are so excited the popular spot has reopened and the cast members seem to be just as thrilled as us!

Over the years, 1900 Park Fare has been the backdrop of so many of guests’ favorite vacation memories-will you add a stop here on your next visit?

Ready to make your Disney dreams a reality, but feeling lost in the planning process? Let Destinations To Travel be your magic wand! Our Disney specialists, like myself, will handle everything from booking your perfect package to keeping you updated on any changes. The best part? My services are completely free when you book through us! Contact me today and let’s get started crafting your unforgettable Disney adventure!

Disneyland Updates Disability Access Service Due to Abuse

By

Sara

-

April 9, 2024

Disneyland Updates Disability Access Service Due to Abuse

Disney has updated its Disability Access Service (DAS) program to better serve guests with disabilities. The changes aim to ensure the program is used as intended for guests who may find waiting in traditional lines challenging.

Disneyland recently announced updates to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program. The program is designed for guests with developmental disabilities who have difficulty waiting in traditional lines. The updated DAS launches on June 18th and no medical records will be required to participate.

Validity: After June 18th, DAS will be valid for the length of your ticket or up to 120 days (increased from 30 days).
Party Size: Limited to 4 guests, including the disabled person and their immediate family (spouses, parents, children). Exceptions may be made for larger parties with minors.
Registration: Available virtually in advance or in-person at the esplanade ticket booth windows (not inside parks).

Disney’s DAS program has been updated to improve wait times for guests with disabilities. The program’s usage has grown significantly in recent years, making it challenging to meet everyone’s needs. These changes aim to ensure the program remains effective for those who rely on it most.

Future Improvements to DAS

More Cast Members and Training: Disney plans to increase staffing and provide specialized training for Cast Members to better assist guests using DAS.
Eligibility Support: Disney will collaborate with Inspire Health Alliance professionals to aid Cast Members in determining appropriate accommodations for guests.
Enhanced Queue Support: Disney will introduce new options for guests needing support while waiting in lines, including a designated “return to queue” process for restroom breaks or other needs.

Are you dreaming of a Disneyland vacation but overwhelmed by the planning? I can help! As a Disney specialist at Destinations To Travel, I’ll handle everything for you, from booking to tracking changes. My services are free when you book your package through me! Contact me today to start planning your magical trip!

First Look at Tiana, Mirabel and More Coming to 1900 Park Fare

By

Sara

-

April 9, 2024

First Look at Tiana, Mirabel and More Coming to 1900 Park Fare

Disney’s iconic 1900 Park Fare restaurant is reopening at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on April 10th with a refreshed look, new menu, and character appearances!

The restaurant’s new design pays homage to the late Victorian era with carousel theming, creating a whimsical atmosphere. This reopening is part of the Grand Floridian’s transformation into a charming storybook destination.

Character dining returns to 1900 Park Fare with appearances by Princess Tiana, Aladdin, Mirabel, and Cinderella. The characters chosen for this revamped dining experience all “celebrate the power of a wish.”

Tiana will be dressed in her adventurer outfit which she will also wear on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Guests can also meet Mirabel from Encanto.

Aladdin will greet guests in his Prince Ali costume.

Cinderella will also be around interacting with guests. Previously, Cinderella and other characters from her animated film were part of the character interactions at 1900 Park Fare.

The restaurant will feature both classic favorites like strawberry soup and new offerings for breakfast and dinner.

Are you dreaming of a Walt Disney World vacation but overwhelmed by the planning? I can help! As a Disney specialist at Destinations To Travel, I’ll handle everything for you, from booking to tracking changes. My services are free when you book your package through me! Contact me today to start planning your magical trip!

Adorable Disney Characters Ear Holder Keychains For Your Next Disney Trip!

By

Ana Leal

-

April 9, 2024

Adorable Disney Characters Ear Holder Keychains For Your Next Disney Trip!

How cute are these Disney Characters Ear Holder Keychains created by SimplySamsHandmade on Etsy for $11.52?. You can order your favorite one here!

These ear holders are made with vinyl lined with a craft foam backed with a solid color vinyl. The designs are inspired in beloved characters and icons like Pascal, Bruni, Figment, Grumpy, Pixar ball and Hocus Pocus. Let us know which one is your favorite!

New Disney Sketch Performance Hoodie by RSVLTS Now At The Disney Store!

By

Ana Leal

-

April 9, 2024

New Disney Sketch Performance Hoodie by RSVLTS Now At The Disney Store!

You will be drawn to this Disney Sketch Performance Hoodie by RSVLTS available now at the Disney Store for $82! It commemorates the Walt Disney Company 100th anniversary with sketches of beloved Disney characters, and provides a light, breathable, comfy fit with four-way stretch.

It features an all over pattern of characters that include Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Simba, Genie, Cheshire Cat, Ariel, Pongo, Perdita, Evil Queen as old hag, Robin Hood, J. Thaddeus Toad, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Kaa, Baloo, King Louie and Mushu! All in a pencil sketch style taking us back to the animation desks. A must have for sure!

Credit: Disney Store

Walt Disney World Countdown Clock For Your Next Disney Vacation!

By

Ana Leal

-

April 9, 2024

Walt Disney World Countdown Clock For Your Next Disney Vacation!

We love this Walt Disney World Countdown Clock created by HappyPlaceDesign4You on Etsy for $38+. You can order yours here!

This is such a fun way to countdown to your next magical vacation and you can even personalize it with your family name! Plus it has magnets for mounting to a refrigerator, or you can choose to display it perfectly on a desk, or kitchen table.

Enchanting Fantasyland Tumbler And T-Shirt Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

-

April 9, 2024

Enchanting Fantasyland Tumbler And T-Shirt Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

We found this Fantasyland tumbler and t-shirt at Magic Kingdom filled with whimsy and enchantment. The perfect combo to bring the magic with you everywhere you go!

Take a sip of magic with this whimsical tumbler featuring a castle and Dumbo flying over it on one side and “Fantasyland” text in mint green on the opposite side.

Add an enchanting touch to your style with this t-shirt in light gray with the Fantasyland castle, and other attractions at this enchanting land, at the bottom you will find the Fantasyland logo in pink with Walt Disney World logo underneath.

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

New Disney Lollipop Collection Coming Soon!

By

Ana Leal

-

April 9, 2024

New Disney Lollipop Collection Coming Soon!

A new Disney Lollipop Collection is coming on April 16th, following the monthly release of the Stitch Attacks Snacks series, this month the sweet treat is, yes, you guessed it, a Mickey Mouse lollipop!

So let’s take a look at the adorable Stitch and Angel plush available now and the rest of the Disney Lollipop collection coming soon:

STITCH AND ANGEL LOLLIPOP PLUSH

Are you collecting the Stitch Attacks Snacks series? Then you have to add this Stitch and Angel Plush featuring them wearing colorful hawaiian shirts a Mickey lollipop all over pattern and enjoying a delicious big Mickey Mouse lollipop.

STITCH AND ANGEL PIN SET

The Stitch Attacks Series also released an Angel and Stitch collectible pin set to complete this monthly release!

LOLLIPOP EAR HEADBAND

Now, get ready to add extra sugar to your style on April 16th with the release of the Minnie Mouse Lollipop Ear Headband that looks too good to eat. The ears resemble a colorful lollipop with a satin bow in colorful stripes.

WALT DISNEY WORLD LOLLIPOP SPIRIT JERSEY

Match your headband with the Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey featuring an all over pattern of Mickey shaped lollipops and Walt Disney World logo across the back in pastel colors.

MICKEY LOLLIPOP LOUNGEFLY BACKPACK

Finally, you can complete your look with the Mickey Mouse Lollipop Loungefly Backpack with the exterior pocket that resembles a Mickey Mouse-shaped lollipop with a big bite taken out of it. The rest of the back features an all over pattern of Mickey lollipops and green details.

Stay tuned for the next collection that will feature ice cream!

Credit: Disney Parks

New Disney Disability Access Service Launching at Disney World and Disneyland

By

Chris B

-

April 9, 2024

New Disney Disability Access Service Launching at Disney World and Disneyland 1

New-Disney-Disability-Access-Service-Launching-at-Disney-World-and-Disneyland-1-1

We have some Disney Disability Access Service news to share with you. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort recently announced updates designed to improve the guest experience for everyone. These changes focus on providing a more inclusive and enjoyable visit for those who require special accommodations.

Here’s a breakdown of the key updates that are coming soon:

Enhanced Cast Member Training: Disney is investing in specialized training for Cast Members at both resorts. This will allow them to better understand individual needs and recommend the most suitable tools and options to create a magical visit.
Expert Collaboration: To ensure accommodations are used as intended, Disney is partnering with healthcare professionals from Inspire Health Alliance. These experts will offer additional support to Cast Members in determining eligibility for various services.
Preserving DAS: The popular Disability Access Service (DAS) program remains a priority. However, to ensure it reaches those who need it most, DAS teams will ensure the primary focus remains on guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who find waiting in traditional lines challenging.
- To further support this focus, the DAS enrollment window has been extended to 120 days from the current 60-day period.
The DAS party size has been adjusted to include no more than four, except for immediate family members.

New-Disney-Disability-Access-Service-Launching-at-Disney-World-and-Disneyland-2

DAS Enrollment Process Updates

Guests visiting Walt Disney World now through May 19 may visit a theme park Guest Relations location to speak with a Cast Member. In-person registration will no longer be available at theme park Guest Relations locations starting May 20, 2024.
- For guests visiting from April 9 through May 19, 2024, DAS is valid for up to 30 days, or when a new ticket is required.
Guests visiting Disneyland from April 9, 2024, through June 17, 2024, will continue to visit Guest Relations locations. After June 17, guests will be able to determine eligibility for DAS via live video chat as soon as 30 days prior to their park visit, or in person at an Accessibility Services window during a park visit.
- For guests visiting from April 9 through June 17, 2024, DAS is valid for up to 30 days, or when a new ticket is required.

New-Disney-Disability-Access-Service-Launching-at-Disney-World-and-Disneyland-3

These updates take effect on May 20th at Walt Disney World Resort and June 18th at Disneyland Resort. DAS is only valid throughout the Resort at which it was issued. Please note each location will require a separate conversation with a Cast Member, so DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort would not be valid at the Disneyland Resort. Stay tuned to the Chip and Co website and social media channels for more information on these changes as they become available!

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!

“Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” Celebrates 25th Anniversary with New Merch & Collectibles

By

Chris B

-

April 9, 2024

Star Wars The Phantom Menace Celebrates 25th Anniversary with New Merch & Collectibles 5

It’s a momentous occasion for Padawans and Jedi Masters alike – Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is celebrating its 25th anniversary!

Disney and its fellow galactic allies are pulling out all the stops to commemorate this beloved film. From May the 4th onwards, fans can expect a wave of out-of-this-world collectibles, apparel, and more!

Star-Wars-The-Phantom-Menace-Celebrates-25th-Anniversary-with-New-Merch-Collectibles-2

Gear Up for the Dark Side

Darth Maul continues to be a fan-favorite villain, and this anniversary is the perfect opportunity to pledge your allegiance to the Sith.

Lightsaber Up! Become Darth Maul with a limited-edition Legacy Lightsaber Hilt set, complete with a display box and sound effects.
Dress the Part: Channel your inner Sith with a Darth Maul detachable hood cosplay mini backpack by Loungefly, or a Darth Maul crossbody bag. Top off your look with Darth Maul-inspired sunglasses and studs!

Collectibles for Every Fan

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, there’s something for everyone:

Star-Wars-The-Phantom-Menace-Celebrates-25th-Anniversary-with-New-Merch-Collectibles-3-1

Funko Unveils New Pop Figures! Add iconic characters like Queen Amidala and Darth Maul to your Pop! collection.
Buildable Thrills: Recreate Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator with the LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul’s Sith Infiltrator building set.
The Force is Strong with These Books: Delve deeper into the Star Wars universe with new audiobook releases and a special edition comic book.
For the Padawan Artist: Adorn your walls with commemorative Star Wars: The Phantom Menace posters from Displate.

Star-Wars-The-Phantom-Menace-Celebrates-25th-Anniversary-with-New-Merch-Collectibles-4

Looking for Something More?

The celebration extends beyond collectibles and apparel! Her Universe is offering stylish new clothing inspired by the film, while Star Wars Fine Jewelry has Padmé Amidala-inspired earrings.

Star-Wars-The-Phantom-Menace-Celebrates-25th-Anniversary-with-New-Merch-Collectibles-1

This is just a taste of the incredible merchandise available for the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace. So, gear up, Star Wars fans – May the merch be with you!

Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package for 2024

By

Chris B

-

April 9, 2024

Get ready to ditch the pumpkin spice and embrace the spine-tingling chills! This year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando promises to be a bloodcurdling good time, and with the Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package, you can save big while you shriek your head off.

Death Eaters Dark Arts Hogwarts Castle Harry Potter

Dive into elaborately themed haunted houses that will have you questioning your sanity, then escape to the thrilling world of Universal’s theme parks during the day, all while slashing up to $200 off the price of your ultimate Halloween horror vacation! This package includes event admission to Halloween Horror Nights, hotel accommodations, and daytime theme park tickets!

The Longer You Stay, the More You Save

The more nights you stay, the deeper the discounts get. Here’s the terrifyingly good deal:

2-Night Stay: Save $10 and scream a little less about the price.
3-Night Stay: Feeling brave? Your courage is rewarded with a $25 discount!
Nights 4 & 5: Unlock some serious savings with a chilling $50 and $75 discount, respectively.
6 Nights: Unleash a monstrous $125 discount!
7 Nights or More: The ultimate scream-worthy savings! Sink your teeth into a monstrous $200 discount!

The combination of daytime park tickets and Halloween Horror Nights tickets will afford you access to the Stay and Scream areas! This is a great way to get a jump on the event, with early access to the houses often affording the ability to get one (or more) houses completed before the main gates even open.

Looking for a short but fright-filled escape? Here’s another chilling offer: Save 20% on a 4-Night Stay at Universal Hotels! This spooky package lets you be among the first to face your fears with special access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entrance until 7:30 pm each event night.

Before you pack your scream suit, here are some things to keep in mind:

Halloween Horror Nights is a separate ticketed event, and it’s strictly for thrill-seekers. We recommend this for ages 13 and up.
Be sure to review the most up-to-date costume guidelines as you plan your outfit for the event.
Prices, dates, and event details are subject to the whims of the horror gods (aka subject to change).

Ready to Book Your Screamcation?

Head over to the Universal Orlando website to snag your Halloween Horror Nights Hotel & Ticket Package. This is a limited-time offer, so don’t delay!

Will you be facing your fears at Halloween Horror Nights this year? Let us know in the comments below!

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando 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 Universal 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 Universal vacation package through me!

How Disney Built America Coming to the History Channel

By

Chip

-

April 9, 2024

How Disney Built America Coming to the History Channel

Calling all Disney history buffs! The History Channel dives deep into the legacy of Walt Disney with a new documentary series: “How Disney Built America.” This fascinating series explores the iconic brand’s rise, from beloved characters and timeless films to groundbreaking theme parks and innovations that shaped generations.

Get ready for a nostalgic thrill-ride! Each hour-long episode reveals the brilliance behind Disney’s success: the birth of iconic characters, the animation industry’s revolution, visionary merchandising, and the incredible engineering that brought Disneyland and Walt Disney World to life.

The series features rare archival footage, dramatic recreations, and insights from experts like Imagineer Bob Gurr. Gurr, hired by Walt himself, offers a unique perspective on the triumphs and challenges behind realizing Disney’s extraordinary vision.

Discover how Disney became an integral part of American culture with insights from historians like Douglas Brinkley and Margaret Kerrison.

Walt-Disney-World-reservations-now-open-3

Catch the premiere episode, “The Birth of Mickey,” on the History Channel on April 28th, 2024.

Additional Notes:

While the series ties into the “Stories That Built America” franchise, it’s unclear when (or if) it will arrive on Hulu. Due to Disney’s co-ownership of A+E, the international release on Disney+ is also uncertain.