Publix ice cream consistently delights shoppers’ cravings for delicious frozen treats made with premium quality ingredients. The year-round flavors are carefully crafted to satisfy the sweet tooths of many, and the limited-time flavors only enhance that joy.
With the new year, Publix is excited to bring back seven favorites and introduce a brand new flavor โ Vanilla Shortbread Cookie. Shoppers can now find eight limited-time flavors at Publix stores.
Limited-time flavors available now โ in a larger size too!
One major change this year: Publixโs limited-time flavors are now only available in half-gallon sizes instead of quart-size cartons. This means shoppers not only get these delicious limited-time flavors, but they get more to enjoy too.
Bananas Foster: Banana flavored ice cream with a brown sugar rum flavored swirl.
Black Swamp Raspberry Cheesecake: Raspberry cheesecake-flavored ice cream swirled with Mackinac chocolatey graham crust and raspberry-filled chocolatey cups sprinkled throughout.
Irish Crรจme Salted Caramel: Irish crรจme-flavored ice cream with a rich caramel sea salt swirl and caramel truffles.
New Orleans Caramel Praline: Brown sugar ice cream with swirls of thick caramel and crunchy praline pecans.
Nuts About Pistachio: Pistachio ice cream loaded with pieces of real pistachios.
Peanut Butter Pie: Peanut butter cheesecake-flavored ice cream with swirls of Mackinac peanut butter cookie ribbons and chocolate-flavored pieces.
Strawberry Shortcake: Butter crรจme-flavored ice cream swirled with ribbons of chunky strawberry-flavored sauce and layered with squares of soft shortcake.
Vanilla Shortbread Cookie: Vanilla ice cream with ground vanilla beans, vanilla anglaise custard swirls and shortbread squares throughout.ย ย
Additional limited-time flavors are on the way
Our limited-edition ice cream flavors excite our customers throughout the year, and many Publix fans look forward to each seasonโs newest batch of flavors. Look for the next round of limited-time flavors arriving in stores this summer!
Dollywood is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season, with new attractions and guest-friendly amenities. Media members recently received a sneak peek at The Dolly Parton Experience, set to open later this spring, and various off-season construction projects aimed at enhancing the comfort of Dollywood guests.
After a successful 2023 season, which saw the addition of the acclaimed Big Bear Mountain coaster and the opening of Dollywoodโs HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the park is set to continue its growth. The Dollywood Company is introducing the multi-faceted Dolly Parton Experience in May, accompanied by new guest-friendly amenities. Additionally, the park’s operating calendar for 2024 will include 23 more operational days, totaling 357 operating hours.
The Dollywood theme park’s 2024 calendar expands to 281 operational days, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the guest experience. Compared to the 2022 season, 21 additional operating days were added to the 2023 calendar. The park kicks off the season with Season Passholder Day on Friday, March 8, followed by the first day of operation for the general public on Saturday, March 9.
All these developments, including new attractions and extended operating days, are driven by a dedicated focus on providing an exceptional experience for Dollywood guests. The park aims to build on its success, offering more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the magic and excitement throughout the upcoming season.
โOur Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties have truly become among the top vacation destinations in the entire country,โ said Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. โWeโve earned several great honors this past year, including being #27 on Forbesโ list of Best Customer Service in the entire country. Recognition like that comes because of the effort we place each day on ensuring the guest experience for every person who visits us is the best it can possibly be. We really believe the only way to do that is by asking guests for their honest opinions and listening fully to their responses. Several of the projects we outlined here todayโincluding the new restroom facility in the ticket plaza, as well as the more efficient ticketing systemโare just two more ways weโve taken that feedback and are acting on it.โ
The Dolly Parton Experience provides guests an opportunity to learn more about the parkโs Dreamer-in-Chief through curated exhibits, interactive experiences and live entertainment. Attractions like thisโas well as last yearโs Big Bear Mountain and HeartSong Lodge & Resort additionsโare integral in the companyโs half-billion dollar, 10-year expansion plan announced by Dolly and Naughton in 2021. Naughton says the expansion strategy should allow Dollywood Parks & Resorts to remain among Americaโs top theme park destinations.
โWe really do offer something different here,โ he explained. โThe hearts of our hosts go far beyond the everyday tasks they complete at excellence each day. Our hosts make a true connection with our guests, making them feel like theyโre part of the family. Itโs been that way since the park opened. Now, our strategy of adding more attractions and resortsโfive total resorts and an outdoor resortโlets us grow our infrastructure and offerings in a way that allows Dollywood Parks & Resorts to regularly be considered among the top destinations in the country. Include the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains right at our doorstep, and it really is easy to see why so many families are now making us their theme park of choice.โย
During the tour, media had an opportunity to sample culinary highlights of the upcoming season and learn more about a significant reinvestment at Dollywoodโs DreamMore Resort and Spa, the original award-winning resort property in Dollywoodโs portfolio. The investment project includes a number of fresh touches and enhancements designed to allow it to maintain its position as one of the top theme park resorts in the world.
Dollywoodโs 2024 season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which features three new shows celebrating Dollyโs iconic career. Her remarkable story is told in โFrom the HeartโThe Life and Music of Dolly Parton.โ The new show takes place in Celebrity Theater.
For those who just cannot contain their love of Dolly, โSing-a-long with Dollyโ invites guests to belt out the lyrics to some of her most-loved songs. This fun and interactive new show takes place at the Back Porch Theater. Finally, โTrio, Again featuring Three Times A Ladyโ honors the iconic โTrioโ album released by Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt in 1987. The Three Times A Lady trio, made up of singer/songwriters Lauren Mascitti, Kenney Scott and Hannah Blaylock, presents this timeless show for Dollywood guests at the Showstreet Palace Theater. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival takes place March 9-April 14.
Dollywoodโs Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 19-June 9) blooms bright with vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures. Park guests enjoy this immersive atmosphere as they make their way through more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. In addition, Dollywoodโs culinary team showcases their world-class abilities with a menu full of delicacies that highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.
Dollywoodโs Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15-Sept. 1) is everyoneโs favorite summer tradition, and once again includes Dollywoodโs Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show every night. Another favorite, the “Gazillion Bubble Show,โ returns to mesmerize guests in Celebrity Theater.
A family tradition for many, Dollywoodโs Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 9-Oct. 28) opens two weeks earlier this season, providing guests more time to celebrate the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers including Suzy Bogguss and Rhonda Vincent, and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans, and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industryโs Best Theme Park Christmas eventโDollywoodโs Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 5)โ also opens earlier this year and concludes the parkโs 2024 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
With so much more in โ24, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all of the fun! The Gold Pass represents a tremendous value for guests. Those who purchase now receive a Bring-A-Friend Free ticket and free general parking, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging. Diamond (Diamond Passes are sold out) and Gold passholders also receive access to special โGolden Eventsโโexclusive events and activities just for them. (Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.)
Gold and Diamond passholders also can take advantage of another great perk: daily โGolden Hours.โ During the first hour of every operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes operate just like TimeSaver Passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywoodโs world-class rides and attractions including Big Bear Mountain.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include a Bring-a-Friend Free ticket and a discount on Dollywood lodging. Select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-a-Friend Free tickets. Child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates.
Season pass prices increase after March 17. For more information about Dollywoodโs 2024 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort Cast Members Celebrate Year of the Dragon
It’s the Year of the Dragon and Disney shared a look at how Cast Members at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disney are celebrating. We got a special look at two unique Disney cast member celebrations that are actually beyond the parks.
At Shanghai Disney Resort, frontline night shift cast members gathered for a warm meal together backstage in celebration of the Laba Festival. In fact, this is just the third year of the tradition at the resort and has become one the cast look forward to each year!
The Laba Festival celebrates the end of the year and is a prelude to Chinese New Year, typically about three weeks prior. Families come together to eat Eight Treasure Congee (Bฤ bวo zhลu) made of eight ingredients โ rice, millet, red dates, lotus seeds, nuts, dried fruits, and beans โ as they wish for good health, luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Not only were the cast able to celebrate this special day together, it was also the perfect opportunity to thank those who work overnight for their hard work. Warm and sweet Laba porridge, delicious chicken rolls and special gifts were on the menu as an appreciation for all they do!
โI was so surprised to receive warm Laba congee at work on the night of Laba Festival! I was able to eat with my fellow cast members and get to know each other better, sharing Spring Festival plans and wishes for the new year,โ said Dai, a Food and Beverage cast member.
The fun didnโt stop there! More than 50 VoluntEARS from Shanghai Disney Resort continued to spread the festival spirit, packing and delivering more than 6,000 gift bags to local childrenโs hospitals and participating in Spring Festival traditions with those in elderly homes.
In Hong Kong, cast members took the celebration from park right into the heart of the city, bringing the magic and characters to downtown! As this is THE celebration in Hong Kong to celebrate the new year, there were just 40 spots for cast to join and landing one could be a sign of good luck.
โIf I am fortunate enough to join the parade, it would also mean that I am destined for good luck throughout the year,โ shared Addy โ F&B Business and Operation Integration Manager.
This yearโs float design, โMomentous Year of the Dragon Celebration,โ takes inspiration from the parks stunning nighttime spectacular, โMomentous,โ and the recently reimagined Castle of Magical Dreams. Not only is it a new year, the show also celebrates family and the precious moments we have with one another. Itโs the perfect way to celebrate the year ahead!
From initial design to completion, the float took about three months and even features a remastered, Chinese New Year version of the showโs song โLove the Memory,โ shared Barry, Art Director from Entertainment.
โWe have integrated all the essential elements into the floats, symbolizing the spirit of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and captivating our guests with the allure of Disneyland,โ said Entertainment Show Director, RM. โEven those who have never visited the park before will undoubtedly feel the Disney magic when they encounter our float and witness our performance.โ
Whether bringing the magic to each other backstage or into the city, you can be sure the cast members will be there celebrating!
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will run from February 28 through May 27. This year there are nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens and over 60 new items to indulge in! One of those new items is a Seasonal Fruit Parfait with mango Dole Whip.
The Seasonal Fruit Parfait with sweet chili sauce and DOLE Whip Mango will be available at Refreshment Outpost. It is a plant based item and will be part of the Garden Graze Food Stroll.
Is this a Dole Whip treat you’d like to try?
Ready to plan your visit to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival? Contact me today to start planning! I’m 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.
Guests visit an action-packed carnival as part of their journey aboard Mickey & Minnieโs Runaway Railway, opening March 4, 2020, in Disneyโs Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The first ride-through attraction in Disney history featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse brings guests into the vibrant world of โMickey Mouseโ cartoon shorts. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Exciting news for visitors planning a trip to Walt Disney World in early March 2024! The resort has announced extended theme park hours for Magic Kingdom, Disneyโs Hollywood Studios, and Disneyโs Animal Kingdom for the week of March 3-9, 2024.
Over at Disneyโs Animal Kingdom, visitors can start their adventure an hour early at 8 a.m. each day from March 3 through 9. The park was previously scheduled to close at 6 p.m. every day, but it will now stay open until 7 p.m. on March 3, 4, and 8, and until 10 p.m. on March 9.
Disneyโs Hollywood Studios is also adjusting its schedule. The park will open a half hour earlier at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, with early entry beginning at 8 a.m. The closing time remains unchanged at 9 p.m.
Magic Kingdom is now slated to open an hour earlier at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9. Additionally, Magic Kingdom will close later at 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, and from March 7 through 9. On March 4, 5, and 6, the park will close at 10 p.m.
These extended hours offer guests more time to explore the magic of Walt Disney World’s theme parks and make the most of their vacation. Be sure to check the official Disney World website or app for the latest park hours and information before your visit.
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!
Progress on the all-new DreamWorks Land, coming soon to Universal Studios Florida, is continuing at an impressive pace. The land is slated to open later this year, and is being installed in the former KidZone location of Universal Studios Florida. We have some aerial photos of the progress to share with you thanks to X user bioreconstruct.
We are starting to see some final touches being placed on the buildings that will call DreamWorks land home, such as the details on the top of this building that include a weather vein that features a cat and fishbone (likely a nod to Puss in Boots).
The red/black structure in this aerial photo is a recent development in DreamWorks land. Bottom right is an additional themed element. pic.twitter.com/YEIZDWbrcn
With that web seemingly belonging to this spider (if you are not familiar with the Trolls movies, the monster spider is a popular character from the film).
Shreks house is located just behind the ET ride, and directly next to Shreks house will be a large play area.
DreamWorks Land is slated to open in 2024, but a specific opening date has not yet been announced.
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!
Hockey Fans: get ready for an exciting blend of hockey and animation as ESPN, Disney Branded Television, and the National Hockey League (NHLยฎ) team up once again to bring fans the second “NHL Big City Greens Classic.” This unique event will feature a live, animated NHL game telecast of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins on March 9 at 3 p.m. ET.
The alternate presentation of the Penguins-Bruins game will bring to life the action on the ice using real-time virtually recreated animation. The players and teams will be modeled after characters from Disney Channel’s hit animated series “Big City Greens.” Fans can catch the live, animated telecast on ESPN+, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney+, while the traditional telecast will be available on ABC and ESPN+.
This year’s animated telecast will feature advanced tracking technology to recreate the action with more dynamic player and character movement. Fans can look forward to detailed limb and stick movement and mannerisms, thanks to a blend of NHL EDGE positional data and Hawk-Eye Innovations optical tracking.
The presentation will also feature voice talent from “Big City Greens,” including creator and executive producer Chris Houghton (Cricket), Marieve Herington (Tilly), Zeno Robinson (Remy), Artemis Pebdani (Gramma), and Shane Houghton (various characters). During the two intermissions, fans can enjoy an animated skills competition between the “Big City Greens” characters.
The real-time animation for the “NHL Big City Greens Classic” is produced in association with ESPN Edge Innovation Center and NHL EDGE Innovation partner Beyond Sports. Fans outside the U.S. can catch the event on Disney+ in select countries. Don’t miss this exciting blend of hockey and animation on March 9!
Author Note: Chip is a Pens fan. Everyone who has talked to Chip for at least 10 seconds is aware of this. The author is not. The above Let’s Go Pens photo was placed to appease Chip. Please direct your thoughts on the photo, or the Pens in general, directly to Chip.
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!
From February 26 to March 2, 2024, Central Florida will witness the beauty of the Wekiva River transformed into stunning artwork during the 18th annual Wekiva Paint Out. This event brings world-class artists to Wekiva Island and Wekiwa Springs State Park for a week of painting en plein air, capturing the breathtaking surroundings to benefit local organizations dedicated to protecting the river for future generations.
Visitors can watch artists at work in various locations, from the boardwalk at Wekiva Island to the trails at Wekiwa Springs and even on the river in canoes. Completed works will be displayed in the gallery at Wekiva Island, and guests have the opportunity to purchase pieces directly from the artists.
Throughout the week, visitors can also attend several special events:
Live Auction: Bid on art pieces in a traditional auction on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Evening Nocturne Painting and Pasta Bar: Enjoy a night of painting and pasta on Friday, March 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Quick Draw Competition: Amateurs can paint alongside the pros on Saturday, March 2 from noon to 2 p.m.
The All-Inclusive Gala: Celebrate the week of art with a special meal, drinks, live music, and more on Saturday, March 2 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Proceeds from the Wekiva Paint Out benefit Keep Seminole Beautiful and the Wekiva Wilderness Trust. The event is sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, and there are opportunities for businesses to become sponsors and for individuals to become patrons.
Wekiva Island has been hosting the Wekiva Paint Out since 2009, supporting its mission of art, education, and sustainability. For more information about the Wekiva Paint Out and to see the week’s schedule, visit Wekiva Paint Out. To learn more about Wekiva Island, visit Wekiva Island.
Exciting news for visitors to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival! This year, the festival is introducing specially designed mini festival-themed Disney Gift Cards, featuring Orange Bird and Spike the Bee. These convenient wrist-worn cards are perfect for easy payment as you explore all the festival has to offer.
Simply load your mini festival gift card with as little as $15 and wear it on your wrist for quick and easy scanning when purchasing food, merchandise, and more. You can use credit cards, cash, and MagicBands to activate your gift card.
You can find these adorable mini festival gift cards at any festival kiosk throughout the park, as well as at the following locations:
Port of Entry
Creations Shop
World Traveler at International Gateway
Gateway Gifts
If you need to reload your Disney Gift Card, you can do so at any merchandise location owned and operated by Disney, including those listed above.
Don’t miss out on this convenient and stylish way to enjoy the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. Grab your Orange Bird or Spike gift card and get ready to experience all the festival favorites with ease!
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!
Island H2O Water Park is officially opening for the 2024 season on March 8th. The new season will be kicking off in a big way with an exhilarating Spring Break Bash from March 14-23! Thrill-seekers of all ages are invited to join in the aquatic adventure and make a splash this spring break.
The Spring Break Bash at Island H2O Water Park will be packed with a variety of exciting activities. Guests can participate in daytime contests with enticing prizes, score double points redeemable for exclusive park perks, and enjoy captivating movies on the wave pool every Thursday from 3 to 5 pm. Families can also look forward to delightful Foam parties on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 2 pm. Plus, a DJ will be spinning the latest tunes every Friday and Saturday from 2 to 4 pm, engaging the crowd with Hula-Hoop contests and trivia for non-stop entertainment.
Island H2O Water Park is gearing up for an exhilarating season with a whole new lineup of unique special events for 2024. The park offers a full day of fun for everyone, with attractions ranging from a lazy river ride to an exhilarating wave pool, a dedicated area for the little ones, and a family interactive zone. Guests can experience the excitement of body slides, mat racers, tube slides, and raft rides, all designed to delight the whole family.
For the ultimate convenience and value, all 2024 events are included with the purchase of season passes to the attractions. For a limited time, guests can obtain season passes for just $62.99 per person, or $15.75 per person for four months. Each pass grants holders unlimited visits throughout the season, free parking, a complimentary friend ticket for 2024, and a souvenir drink bottle.
Don’t miss out on the fun! For more information, to purchase tickets, or to secure season passes, please visit www.IslandH2OWaterPark.com. Get ready to make unforgettable memories as Island H2O Water Park ramps up for an exhilarating season ahead!
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, make sure you take time to update the Universal Orlando App on your phone before your trip. The official Universal Orlando Resort App has recently received a major update that provides a much more enjoyable app experience and makes navigating the parks much easier!
Here are all of the major new features that are packed into version 6.0 of the app:
New Visual Design: The app has a brand-new look that is both refreshing and familiar. This new design approach means you can access even more relevant information with fewer taps, giving you greater control over your visit.
Redesigned Map: The map has been completely overhauled. Now, you can filter, sort, and browse information in greater detail, making it easier to navigate the park and find what you’re looking for.
Reimagined Wallet: The Universal Orlando Resort Wallet has been updated to make payments seamless. You can link your tickets and store payment information, and with the new Travel Party feature, you can assign tickets and extras to specific individuals in your group.
Enhanced Accessibility: The app now adjusts its content based on the preferred font size set on your device, making it more accessible for everyone.
With these updates, the Universal Orlando Resort App aims to provide a more personalized and convenient experience for all visitors. We found the app to be much more intuitive than previous versions, and the aesthetic upgrades to the map features are very nice (especially considering Universal Orlando has eliminated paper maps). Much of the app (other than the new map) functions the same as the previous version, with a new aesthetic design that makes finding what you are looking for a bit easier. The upgraded wallet section, which supports the ability to allocate tickets to specific members of your travel party, is also a very nice upgrade from the previous version of the app.
Note Premier Pass Holders will still need to utilize their Annual Pass card since all of the perks that come with the Premier Annual Pass (such as the included after 4 pm express pass) are still not supported by the app.
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!
A purr-fect Scentsy collection inspired by Disneyโs The Aristocats is Coming Soon!
Talk about purr-sonality! Scentsy all-new Disney The Aristocats Collection is sure to delight Disney fans and cat lovers alike with products inspired by the classic film and fan-favorite kitten Marie.
Looking for new homes is the darling Disney Marie โ Scentsy Buddy and playful Disney Marie โ Scentsy Warmer. Lift the top of the yarn ball to reveal the wax dish! (Wax can be warmed with the lid on or off.) Both products pair perfectly with the new Absolutely Purr-fect fragrance, designed exclusively for this collection.
