All-new Documentary on The Beach Boys is Coming to Disney+
Calling all Beach Boys fans! Mark your calendars because “The Beach Boys,” a brand new documentary, is hitting Disney+ on May 24th. This exclusive film promises to be a sun-soaked celebration of the legendary band’s impact on music. Expect rare footage and fresh interviews with the Beach Boys themselves, offering a deep dive into their story.
Prepare to be dazzled by never-before-seen footage and brand new interviews. The documentary features the surviving members of the Beach Boys: Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston. They’ll be joined by music legends like Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was, all offering their unique perspectives on the band’s influence.
The film doesn’t forget the late members either. We’ll hear from Carl and Dennis Wilson through archival recordings, along with a new interview with Blondie Chaplin and audio from Ricky Fataar.
This epic production, directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, promises a comprehensive look at the Beach Boys’ legacy. So, mark your calendars, grab your virtual surfboard, and get ready to ride the wave of their incredible story!
New Unicorn Pink Sequin Ear Headband Spotted At Disney Springs!
It doesn’t get more magical and whimsical then this new Unicorn Pink Sequin Ear Headband spotted at Disney Springs for $29.99! They are so fun and colorful, ready to add a majestic and magical touch to your Disney parks outfit.
It features pink sequin ears that are reversible to change between pink or a more purple tone. It also has a metallic pink bow, rainbow unicorn horn and a sparkly veil made of tulle in rainbow colors down the back to leave a sparkly trail everywhere you go!
New Gold And Black Walt Disney World Starbucks Tumbler Now At Epcot!
A new Gold And Black Walt Disney World Starbucks Tumbler is now available at Epcot for $49.99! It’s gorgeous, we definitely need this in our collection.
It features a geometric pattern but with different size jewels making it a bit different then past designs, the top is gold and then it changes to black at the bottom. One side features Cinderella Castle and Walt Disney World logo in black and the Starbucks logo in gold on the other side.
You can take a closer look at this tumbler in our Instagram post:
New Zazu Shoulder Plush Spotted At Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Keep this Zazu Shoulder Plush by your side at all times to protect you while keeping an eye out on all the happenings at the savanna! We found it at Animal Kingdom Lodge for $29.99 and thought it was adorable, we hope he lands a the Disney Store soon.
This plush is inspired in Mufasa’s loyal companion with embroidered details and pad to be placed on your shoulder. A perfect sidekick to get ready to celebrate the Lion King’s 30th anniversary this year!
You can take a closer look at this plush in our Instagram post:
Universal Orlando Resort is set to open a brand new theme park, Epic Universe, in 2025. The resort just released details on one of the park’s featured lands: How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. This vibrant land, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy, invites guests of all ages to experience life among dragons in a thrilling Viking adventure. We have the details on the attractions that will be found in the new land, as well as the height requirements for each.
The Isle of Berk will offer four incredible attractions, each with its own unique experience and height requirements.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: Join Hiccup on a family thrill coaster that takes you on a flying adventure with a dragon’s eye view of Berk. Feel the rush as you soar through the sky at speeds up to 45 mph, alongside Hiccup and Toothless. To ride, guests must be at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall. Those under 48 inches need a supervising companion, and hand-held infants are not permitted.
Fyre Drill: Get ready for a wet-and-wild boat battle with Ruffnut and Tuffnut! Teams of Vikings will compete to outscore each other by blasting water cannons at flame-like targets. This water ride has no minimum height requirement, but children under 48 inches must be accompanied by a supervising companion. Handheld infants are not allowed.
Dragon Racer’s Rally: Aspiring Viking racers can test their skills on two dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet. Control how wild or mild your experience is as you perform high-flying maneuvers and earn your title as a champion dragon racer. The minimum height requirement for this spinning ride is 48 inches (122 centimeters).
Viking Training Camp: Young adventurers can explore and learn all about dragons in this interactive play camp. With no height requirement, kids can enjoy climbing, sliding, and discovering the world of dragons through various activities, including a Viking agility course and a Toothless-themed teeter-totter.
The Untrainable Dragon: Experience a dragon-filled live spectacular where Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid work together to solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. This show features captivating musical numbers, breathtaking sets, and life-sized dragons soaring overhead. It’s a heartwarming story filled with action, comedy, and music, suitable for adults, teens, tweens, and kids. However, there is a parental advisory for sudden and intense sound effects, theatrical lighting effects, and performers near the audience.
While not an attraction, we also have a first look at the logo for Mead Hall, which will be the quick service dining spot in the Isle of Berk, featuring a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches, and more along with a collection of meads and ciders.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey at the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk in Universal Epic Universe. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a young explorer, this world promises adventure at every turn. As we eagerly anticipate the grand opening of Epic Universe in 2025, it’s clear that this park is destined to be truly epic!
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!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s popular Food & Wine Festival is now bigger and better than ever! The theme park has extended the festivities to include Fridays, providing guests with an extra day each weekend to savor delicious culinary creations, enjoy inspired drinks and cocktails, and experience electrifying live performances.
This weekend, the festival is set to host three headline artists:
Brady Lee Band: On March 29th, catch this independent country music artist at the Coca-Cola Canopy Stage at 3, 4:30, and 6 pm, as he promotes his new single “When It Hurts.”
The Outlaws: On March 30th at 7 pm, head to the Festival Field stage to enjoy some of the best Southern rock tunes, including hits like “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Green Grass and High Tides.”
Mark Wills: On March 31st at 6 pm, don’t miss this platinum-selling country artist at the Festival Field stage, known for chart-toppers like “Wish You Were Here” and “19 Somethin’.”
All concerts are included with park admission, and guests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com for showtimes, reserved seating, VIP packages, and Food & Wine sampler lanyards.
To keep the fun flowing all Spring long, Busch Gardens is offering a Spring Spectacular Sale with up to 50% off on tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes. Being a Pass Holder comes with a host of benefits, including 12 months of unlimited visits, exclusive events, savings on food and merchandise, free parking, and free tickets for friends and family. Plus, for a limited time, guests who purchase an Annual Pass will receive a free upgrade to the next tier level!
The Food and Wine Festival takes place Fridays through Sundays until May 19th, offering a perfect weekend getaway for families and friends. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BuschGardensTampa.com.
After nearly two years of legal disputes, Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have settled the governance of the special district encompassing the Walt Disney World Resort. The settlement, approved by the board members, marks the end of a contentious battle sparked by Disney’s opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, known by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, leading to the revocation of Disney’s special tax district control. Both parties have expressed their satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing their readiness to collaborate for the economic and tourism growth of Central Florida.
The legal action originated when the board appointed by Governor DeSantis sought to invalidate agreements established by the former Disney-dominated Reedy Creek Improvement District, which were viewed as disproportionately favorable to Disney. As a result of the settlement, these agreements have been discontinued, and a master plan from 2020, mutually agreed upon by Disney and Reedy Creek, has been reinstated. The settlement brings the Florida state court litigation to a close, opening the door for a renewed period of collaboration between Disney and the district’s governing body.
Looking ahead, the settlement signifies a collaborative effort to promote economic development, job creation, and accountable governance in Central Florida. Both Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District are eager to work together to enhance the region’s attractions and ensure its reputation as a world-class vacation destination.
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!
The wheels on the bus go round and round, all around Walt Disney World, and now there will be 90 more of them to get you around to the magic! Disney recently announced the exciting addition of 90 brand-new buses to their already impressive fleet. Get ready for a smoother and more stylish ride as you navigate the resort in these shiny new vehicles.
These new buses are rolling in throughout 2024, so you might just snag a ride on one during your next visit. Many of these buses will be sporting brand new themed wraps featuring beloved characters from favorite Disney films, such as Zootopia and Ratatouille, 101 Dalmatians, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Orange Bird, Figment, and more!
These new buses boast improved accessibility features for guests using mobility devices and promise a smooth, comfortable journey for all guests. Be on the lookout – a few of these buses are already making their way around Disney property so you might just spot one of these during your Easter weekend visit!
The addition of these new buses is great news for Disney guests in a few ways. Additional buses can result in shorter wait times for those hopping on the buses between parks and resorts, and the themed wraps add another layer of fun and immersion to the overall Disney experience. Disney has been investing a ton of money into updating all aspects of the theme parks over the past year, and it is great to see these updates extending to the Disney Transportation fleet!
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!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in June? There is a park hours adjustment that you will want to take note of. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closing its doors early to regular parkgoers on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 due to a private event.
Instead of the usual closing time, Hollywood Studios will be saying ‘Cut!’ at 5:30 pm that day. The park will still open its gates on time at 9:00 am, giving you over 8 hours to experience the thrills of Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith or explore the mysteries of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Early risers with valid park hopper tickets staying at eligible Disney resorts can even enter the park at 8:30 am for some extra morning magic.
Planning a Hollywood Studios visit on June 5th? This early closure might affect your plans. If you’re set on a full day of exploring the park with your crew, consider visiting on another date. On the bright side, the early closure could mean shorter lines for all the awesome rides!
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!
Full Details Revealed for How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk Coming to Epic Universe
Get ready for a thrilling adventure! Universal’s Epic Universe is bringing the world of Hiccup, Toothless, and those rambunctious dragons to life in the incredible land of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
This larger-than-life Viking village promises exhilarating rides, chances to meet your favorite dragons (Toothless photo-op, anyone?), and feasts fit for a fearless Viking. Whether you’re a seasoned dragon trainer or just starting out, Isle of Berk is where the “How to Train Your Dragon” stories leap off the screen. (As the parent of an 11-year-old dragon fanatic, I’m in the know!)
So, let’s dive into the epic experiences awaiting at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk!
From the moment guests step through the portal from Celestial Park to How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, they are immersed in a rugged, massive, and wildly colorful Viking village perched above the sea. Welcomed by the iconic Viking and dragon statues featured in the films, guests will then look out over the world of Berk featuring a lagoon dotted with Viking ships.
“As is seen in the films, our first view of the Isle of Berk is through the Viking and dragon sentry statues with a view of rocky cliffs, dragon houses, and mountains in the background,” says the executive producer for the project, Katy Pacitti. “You will be struck by the scale of the world and the vibrancy. We consider the world an attraction itself; the goal was always to make Berk alive and create a very vibrant and lively land where Vikings and dragons live in harmony.”
Developed to fit the How to Train Your Dragon storyline between the second and third films, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will be the largest world in the new theme park (beside Celestial Park) and modeled after an eighth-century Viking village. The world is a visual and sensory masterpiece showcasing handmade Viking-size features, including nine-foot-tall doors, handmade benches carved by chainsaw, woven tapestries, and six real-timber buildings, with numerous magnificent fire-breathing dragons found throughout. In addition, guests will be able to fully experience iconic locations from the films including Gobber’s Forge, Hiccup’s House, and the Dragon racing bleachers.
When guests enter through the portal, they will set foot into Berk and be able to see the Isle spread out before them. The team behind the project describes it as an “awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping moment” as the massive scale of the land is on display.
What to Ride in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
The world features five attractions along with meet and greets with some of the films’ most iconic characters.
On this soaring coaster, guests are taking a ride in Hiccup’s new glider contraption: a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk.
In this live show featuring beloved characters (including Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid), a new dragon shows up on the Isle of Berk and the Vikings think they may have finally met their match with the mystery of the untrainable dragon. A show highlight includes Toothless flying directly overhead.
“I’m really excited to watch Toothless fly because he’s pretty impressive and exciting,” says Pacitti. “In addition, the untrainable dragon is just beautiful.”
While similar to the show at Universal Beijing Resort, The Untrainable Dragon at Universal Epic Universe is set in a different time period and features varied characters.
At Dragon Racer’s Rally, guests can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer in hopes of becoming champion dragon-racers.
This high-thrill flying attraction features a ride system new to Universal Destinations & Experiences and is themed after the worst dragon racer from the series, Snotlout, and the best dragon racer, Astrid.
In this wild and wet ride, Ruffnut & Tuffnut (the films’ often hysterical twin duo) have transformed Berk’s Fyre Skööl into a boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and outsoak each other while trying to hit over 130 moving targets found throughout the attraction. Located in the middle of the world within the lagoon, guests will be able to see the attraction from multiple different angles.
Junior Vikings will discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore their way through a sprawling interactive adventure camp and kids play area hosted by Fishlegs, Isle of Berk’s resident dragon expert.
Dragons are alive and active in How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk with dragon and character meet and greets found throughout the world.
Probably the most anticipated moment will be meeting and taking pictures with Toothless and Hiccup in a tranquil clearing created to honor the bond between dragon and Viking.
“I do think that the Toothless meet and greet is what’s going to knock everybody’s socks off,” Pacitti says. “It’s going to be a guest experience that sets a new standard.”
Dragons and iconic characters can also be spotted throughout the world with highlights including:
Astrid and her Deadly Nadder, Stormfly as well as Ruffnut and Tuffnut can be seen roaming throughout the world interacting with guests.
Gobber and his beloved Hotburple dragon Grump take center stage in the Forge.
Where to Eat and Shop in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
As guests will find throughout Universal Epic Universe, the immersive world experience continues through dining. Within How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, eating like a Viking is key for guests to keep up their energy for dragon adventures.
Mead Hall is the beating heart of Berk. This massive hall is a larger-than-life space and the village’s main gathering place. A grand chamber hewn from mountain rock, with a giant grand chandelier hanging overhead, here Vikings can feast on hearty meals and can enjoy unique beers and mead created just for this fast casual restaurant.
Stay tuned for more details on dining and merchandise!
What to Expect at the Opening
As the first time that the world of dragons and Berk are brought out of the films and to life on a large scale, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will be a visual and interactive spectacle when it opens at Universal Epic Universe. Unveiling this world will be the culmination of years of creation and development for the Universal Creative, Universal Orlando Resort, and DreamWorks teams who cannot wait to share everything they have created.
“Being on the entry docks and watching guests come in is probably going to be the thing I most want to experience at the opening,” says Pacitti. “There’s nothing quite like experiencing a guest’s first reaction to something that you’ve just spent several years building.”
Additionally, being able to share this amazing world with dragon fans for the first time will be an unmatched moment.
So, how about it, are you ready to soar with dragons in 2025?
Behind the Scenes Look at Cotino, the First Storyliving Community
A new story is being written in California’s Coachella Valley! Disney has released exclusive access to the construction journey and are sharing behind the scenes moments along the way as this enchanting new community comes to life in the scenic Rancho Mirage, California.
Home sweet home! Your story begins with the Cotino community’s grand entrance. Imagine arriving home to a majestic gateway framed by the breathtaking San Jacinto mountains. The Walt Disney Imagineering team has meticulously crafted a design that blends natural desert beauty with whimsical touches, a hallmark of all things Disney.
The heart of any community lies in its parks, and Cotino boasts stunning gathering spaces designed to foster connection. The first park under construction, named Longtable Park, pays homage to Walt Disney’s love for the Coachella Valley. Inspired by his tradition of sharing breakfast and conversation with neighbors, Longtable Park will feature a signature long table beneath a canopy of trees, along with shaded seating, barbeque grills, fire pits, and even bocce ball courts. This beautifully landscaped park will be a haven for residents aged 55 and over.
The vision of Cotino living is coming to life with the construction of the first models by Shea Homes. Featuring three distinct floorplans to explore showcasing the Cotino lifestyle, some featuring flexible living spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor connections through entry courtyards and covered terraces. With even more options from additional builders on the horizon, there’s a perfect home waiting for everyone at Cotino!
Dollywood Sweeps USA Today’s 10Best Awards Nominations
Dollywood continues its winning streak! The beloved theme park resort has earned an impressive five nominations in USA Today’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. A panel of theme park experts selected Dollywood in the following categories:
Best Theme Park
Best Roller Coaster (Lightning Rod)
Best Theme Park Hotel (Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort)
Best Theme Park Restaurant (Aunt Granny’s Restaurant)
Best Outdoor Water Park (Dollywood’s Splash Country)
This isn’t Dollywood’s first rodeo. The Pigeon Forge park consistently ranks high in the USA Today 10Best awards thanks to enthusiastic fan votes.
Ready to Cast Your Vote?
Voting is open now through April 22nd at 11:59 a.m. Visit www.dollywood.com/vote to support your favorite Dollywood attractions. You can vote once per day, per device!
A Year of Accolades
Dollywood’s 2024 is already shaping up to be spectacular. These nominations follow recent recognition from National Geographic and Southern Living, further solidifying its reputation for top-notch entertainment.
For all things Dollywood, including their 2024 season schedule and more, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
