Disney Shares First Look at the Concept Art for Avatar Experience Coming to the Disneyland Resort
In his address at the Walt Disney Company Annual Meeting yesterday, CEO Bob Iger unveiled some incredible company-wide news. We were thrilled when he unveiled a piece of inspirational artwork developed for a potential new Avatar experience at the Disneyland Resort.
During their recent shareholders’ meeting, Disneyland Resort offered a tantalizing glimpse into their future plans with concept art featuring a lush, bioluminescent landscape with turquoise waters. While the exact location remains under wraps, speculation suggests this new “Avatar” experience could be inspired by the sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
The concept art depicts what appears to be a boat ride with a higher capacity than the existing Na’vi River Journey attraction found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The aquatic setting and visible Na’vi structures further reinforce the connection to the film.
While details remain scarce, this exciting reveal hints at a captivating new addition to come for Disneyland Resort visitors.
Plans for Disneyland Resort’s Avatar experience have undergone some revisions since their initial announcement in February 2023. Originally conceived as a “version” of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the concept later evolved into something described as “as amazing” as its Florida counterpart.
Further updates in 2024 saw the term “land” used, but later clarified back to “experience.” This suggests Disney Imagineers might still be finalizing the exact nature of the Avatar offering at Disneyland.
Despite the evolving terminology, one thing remains clear: Disneyland Resort is committed to bringing an immersive and captivating Avatar experience to life for its guests.
Stay tuned for more information when Disney releases it!
Ready to book your next trip to the Disneyland Resort? 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 magical and stress-free vacation.
All-New Mickey Lederhosen Caramel Apple Now Available at Karamell Kuche
Get your taste buds ready for a Bavarian twist! EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion welcomes a delightful new Mickey Mouse lederhosen caramel apple dipped in Werther’s Original caramel, available at Karamell-Küche.
The Mickey Mouse caramel apple has gotten a festive makeover! Dressed in sparkly green lederhosen with cheerful yellow buttons and a delicate white flower, it completes the look with a charming green alpine hat nestled between its iconic ears.
You’ll find this adorable caramel apple at Karamell-Küche Bakery in the Germany Pavilion. It’s available for $12.99.
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Epcot, 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 magical vacation.
SeaWorld Celebrates 60th Anniversary with a 3-Mile Fun Run
Calling all runners, joggers, and walkers! SeaWorld Orlando is inviting families to celebrate its 60th anniversary in style with the debut of the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run on Saturday, May 4th, 2024.
This exciting event offers something for everyone in the family! Wind your way through SeaWorld’s picturesque pathways, past iconic attractions like Sesame Street Land, Shamu Stadium, and the thrilling Mako coaster. Capture unforgettable photo moments throughout the course and celebrate with a special post-race Seven Seas celebration.
The first 200 registered runners get a complimentary 5-punch Food & Beverage lanyard, perfect for sampling the delicious offerings of the Seven Seas Food Festival. Awards will even be presented to the top male and female finishers!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun family activity, the Seven Seas Food Festival 5K Fun Run is the perfect way to kick off your day at SeaWorld. After the race, extend the fun with a discounted park ticket and explore all that SeaWorld Orlando has to offer!
First Look at Young Mufasa in The Lion King Prequel Movie
Disney fans got a roar-some surprise during the company’s annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday. The first footage from the highly anticipated prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” was unveiled, offering a glimpse into the younger years of Simba’s heroic father.
While the footage itself hasn’t been released publicly yet, a screenshot showcasing a young Mufasa has been making the rounds online. This live-action prequel, following the 2019 remake, will take a closer look into Mufasa’s past, voiced by newcomer Aaron Pierre. Kelvin Harrison Jr. lends his voice to Mufasa’s envious younger brother, Scar.
Familiar voices will also grace the film. Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen are confirmed to reprise their roles as Timon and Pumbaa, the comedic meerkat and warthog duo. John Kani will once again voice the wise mandrill Rafiki.
The upcoming film is directed by Barry Jenkins, known for his Academy Award-winning masterpiece “Moonlight.” Jeff Nathanson takes the reins on the screenplay. Mark your calendars, because “Mufasa: The Lion King” is set to pounce into theaters on December 20th, 2024!
Say goodbye to scattered character greetings! CommuniCore Hall will bring Mickey and his pals together for a brand new, permanent meet-and-greet location. Currently, you can find Mickey and Minnie at Imagination!, Donald Duck in the Mexico Pavilion, and other characters popping up throughout World Celebration.
The Mickey & Friends sign was recently installed on the CommuniCore Hall building and can be seen over the black construction walls. We also noticed “standby” and “Lightning Lane” signs beneath the Mickey & Friends. This is the first confirmation that the meet and greet will have a Lightning Lane option.
The building features Spaceship Earth-inspired panels along with the signage and really matches the aesthetic of the park.
CommuniCore Hall and Plaza is set to open on June 10 with a new limited-time “Encanto” show debuting in the Plaza that same day.
Are you looking forward to seeing the final construction walls disappear from Epcot?
If you’d like to plan your summer visit to Walt Disney World, 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 magical vacation.
New Space Mountain the Final Ignition Merchandise Coming to Tokyo Disneyland
Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland will be closing this year for a major refurbishment. To celebrate the attraction, guests can purchase some new Space Mountain the Final Ignition merchandise!
In anticipation of the new Space Mountain, a collection of merchandise featuring designs that celebrate past iterations of the ride, along with the excitement for its evolution, will be available for pre-sale starting Monday, April 8th.
Items available to purchase will include:
Postcards & Stickers
Pin Badge
Disney Vehicle Collection Set
Interior Light
Miniature Figure Collection
Glowing Toys
Key Chains
Plush
Tumbler
Magnets
Minnie Ears
And more!
One item Tokyo Disney is highlighting is a patch badge that is made from an upcycled costume worn by the cast of “Space Mountain” as part of “Tokyo Disney Resort Circulating Smile.”
What do you think of the Space Mountain merchandise?
Disney Visa Card Members can get Free Disney Dining at Walt Disney World
Breaking news Disney fans! Beginning April 9, Disney Visa Cardmembers can get a free dining plan for select arrival dates in July, September, and December when they book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day, or longer Walt Disney Travel Company Package with Park Hopper option.
Full details for this special offer will be available on the Disney World website on April 9th. To prepare Disney Visa Cardmembers for this exciting offer, Cardmembers may see social media teasers and marketing brochures in the mail this week.
Requirements we know for sure to qualify for this offer:
Select dates in July, September, and December 2024
4-day, 4-night minimum stay
Tickets must include Park Hopper option
Cannot be combined with other offers
Stay tuned for more specifics! If you’d like to be among the first to know more or get a trip booked with this offer, contact me! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I can help make your Disney vacation dreams a reality!
Universal Hollywood Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Studio Tour with New and Classic Experiences
Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its iconic Studio Tour with a special program from April 26 to August 11, 2024. Take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and experience the magic of Hollywood filmmaking firsthand.
The world-renowned Studio Tour, which has welcomed over 200 million guests over its 60-year history, is taking center stage with a special program from April 26 to August 11, 2024. Join the celebration and experience the magic of Hollywood filmmaking firsthand.
“The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”
In addition to the return of several iconic red and white candy-striped Glamor Trams, the centerpiece of the Studio Tour 60th anniversary celebration will treat guests to the unique opportunity to step off the tram and onto a legendary movie set where an original, fully restored 1964 vintage Glamor Tram awaits. The area will provide additional memorable photo opportunities and social media posts, including a giant King Kong backdrop and the theme park’s original hanging Jaws shark.
A highlight of the 60th celebration also includes the “Earthquake—The Big One” attraction, which debuted on the Studio Tour in 1989 and has been shaking things up ever since with its eerily realistic 8.3 magnitude quake. To coincide with this diamond anniversary, this simulated natural disaster attraction has undergone a top to bottom renovation and will debut anew with contemporary technology and aesthetics.
Rounding out the entire Studio Tour 60th anniversary celebration will be a selection of specially created, highly themed food and beverages, curated by the theme park’s Executive Chef Julia Thrash, along with themed merchandise and memorabilia.
A special Dining Pass celebrating the 60thanniversary will be available for purchase and will allow guests to choose six eligible menu items: a choice of two entrees, plus a choice of four snacks, sides, desserts or beverages at participating restaurants or food carts. Select in-park venues and food carts are excluded, and the Dining Pass is valid only on the day of purchase.
Guests basking in a day of nostalgia can step back in time and enjoy retro style entrees, sweets and drinks. A sampling of items at select locations will include:
Hollywood & Dine, located on the Upper Lot of the theme park, will serve up BBQ Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Cheeseburger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Summer Strawberry Salad, BBQ Corn Dog and Film Reel Cookie Sandwich.
Mel’s Diner, also located on the Upper Lot, will feature such favorites as Mel’s Classic Burger, Beyond Meat® BBQ Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog, Tuna Melt, Chicken Caeser Salad, as well as two entrees that harken back to iconic mid-century TV dinner style platters: the Meatloaf Combo and Fried Chicken Combo.
Studio Scoops ice-cream parlor on the Lower Lot will whip up tasty treats in honor of the theme park’s signature attractions.
And lastly, the City Snack Shop standalone outdoor food cart, located on the Upper Lot, will be transformed into a Glamor Tram and serve up a selection of treats emblematic of the 60-year celebration, including the Glam Tram Cookie, Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, Giant 60thPretzel, 60th Celebration Cookies and Banana Breath Popcorn.
An all-new dedicated Studio Tour 60th anniversary merchandise collection will invite guests to take home a piece of this historical celebration with such unique products as a 60th anniversary popcorn bucket shaped as an iconic Glamor Tram, plus an array of retro-themed souvenirs, including a Glamor Tram themed pillow, blanket, backpack, jacket, tops, tee shirts, hats, mugs, keychains, salt and pepper shakers, chocolates and candies.
If you’d like to celebrate the Studio Tours anniversary at Universal Studios Hollywood, 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.
Make This Stitch 2024 Graduation Plush Part Of Your Ohana And Celebrate Your Big Accomplishment!
Celebrate your stellar achievements with this Stitch 2024 Graduation Plush available at the Disney Store for $24.99! He will be happy to be part of your Ohana and celebrate your big milestone.
The soft plush features a satin robe with a tropical print featuring fruit, flowers and leaves in a variety of colors. His graduation cap is purple with “Class of 2024” in yellow with floral details and a corded tassel.
This fun shirt is inspired in the 1989 Taylor’s version album cover but it features our 1989 princess, Ariel! So of course this is Ariel’s version, and it fits perfectly, do you like Disney and Taylor Swift? Then this shirt is a must have in your wardrobe!
New Dreamy Partners Disneyland T-shirt Now At The Disney Store!
A new nostalgic Partners Disneyland T-shirt just arrived online to the Disney Store for $32.99! A must have tee to remind you that you will always be welcome to the happiest place on Earth.
The tie-dye shirt features a “D” in teal on the front and the famous “To all that come to this happy place, welcome” speech on the back with Walt Disney and Mickey silhouettes in black and Disneyland behind them. We love it!
New Pizza Planet Collection Has Been Delivered To Hollywood Studios!
Special delivery! A Pizza Planet Collection is now available at Hollywood Studios! The products have a retro design perfect for the whole family and includes a jersey, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags and more accessories, take a look:
This baseball jersey features the Pizza Planet logo on the front with two Toy Story aliens saying “Oooh…” and “It’s Pizza!” at the bottom. Turn the jersey around and you will find ”Freshest in the Galaxy,” ”Pizza Planet since 1995” logo and Space Aliens embroidered in red and black.
The sleeve features ”Serving your local star cluster – Pizza Planet – Freshest in the Galaxy” and the snap front buttons have a debossed green alien! Super cute!
This comfy shirt features three space aliens holding a slice of pizza on the front, turn this shirt around to find the space aliens keeping their eyes on the prize (a slice of pizza) selected by the claw!
The collection also features a red long sleeve shirt with a space alien, a gray hoodie with the space aliens silhouettes and a mineral gray wash crewneck with the Pizza Planet truck! This has to be a favorite in this collection, super cute and subtle.
Of course a woven button up shirt had to be part of this collection, this one is black with an all over pattern of the Pizza Planet logo, rocket ship, burgers and pizza slices in white. And if you look closely, you will find a space alien embroidered in red on the collar!
For accessories, we found a mineral wash gray baseball cap with a rocket ship and “Our pizza is outta this world” text embroidered in red and white on the front.
There’s also a set of two pair of socks in white and black for those who like fun socks!
Other items in the collection include a Pizza Planet tumbler, Pizza Planet drawstring bag and a wallet with chain.
You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
