Disney is taking a bold step to address the affordable housing crisis in Central Florida by dedicating 80 acres of land for a new community near the Magic Kingdom. In partnership with The Michaels Organization, Disney plans to offer approximately 1,400 mixed-income housing units, with over 1,000 reserved as affordable.
This development, set to break ground later this year and complete its first units in 2026, is designed to help cost-burdened renters focus on personal growth and prosperity. The community will feature unique designs and amenities to promote wellness and a sense of belonging.
Located in the thriving Horizon West area, the community aims to seamlessly blend with the local culture and values, offering green spaces, parks, and vibrant gathering places. This initiative, which is not government-funded and will not financially benefit Disney, is part of the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting important causes in Florida and addressing housing insecurity.
Qualifying applicants, including Disney cast members, will have the opportunity to live in this thoughtfully planned community, marking a significant step towards a brighter future for residents in Central Florida.
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!
Exciting news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom! A new addition has joined the savanna – Corra, a two-month-old African elephant calf, who weighs a whopping 312 pounds. She recently made her debut and is already stealing hearts with her cuteness.
Corra is the first second-generation elephant born in the Animal Kingdom’s history, with her mother, Nadirah, also being born here at Animal Kingdom. Corra’s family is well-represented in the park, with her aunts Stella and Luna, her grandmother Donna, and her dad Mac all part of the herd.
The journey to Corra’s arrival was a two-year process, starting with the animal care team noticing changes in Nadirah’s behavior. After a successful courtship with Mac, the magic of a second-generation calf became a reality.
During her pregnancy, Nadirah had regular ultrasounds to ensure both she and the baby were healthy. Despite the challenges of not being able to see the entire calf due to its size and position, the veterinary team, led by Dr. Betsy, could feel Corra move and even kick!
Nadirah’s care was a top priority, with keepers providing her with nutritious treats like sweet potatoes, carrots, and hay. As the big day approached, the teams monitored Nadirah’s hormone levels and the calf’s size and weight, leading up to the successful birth of Corra.
This achievement is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to ensure the genetic diversity and healthy population of endangered species. And there’s more good news – two more baby elephants are expected in 2025!
So, next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t miss the chance to take a safari ride and say hello to Corra and her family, a true testament to the park’s dedication to wildlife conservation.
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!
Guests will find this particular photo op in the Journey of Water Inspired by Moana attraction. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be standing by near Te Fiti.
The Heart of Te Fiti is magically added to the photos by Disney Cast Members. Guests appear to be holding the Heart of Te Fiti and it is glowing!
Will you be heading to Epcot to take advantage of this magical photo opportunity?
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 and stress-free vacation.
D23 Kicks off Its 15th Year of Fandom with Even More Magic in 2024
D23 is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year with more magic and appreciation for D23 members! The official Disney fan site is celebrating with a new issue of Disney twenty-three, a slate of uniquely Disney events, a special Member Appreciation Month, and a spellbinding Gold Member Collector Set.
DISNEY TWENTY-THREE SPRING 2024 ISSUE: Inside the Disney twenty-three Spring 2024 issue, readers can enjoy exclusive content including behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of both the new and immersive Zootopia land at Shanghai Disney Resort and World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort; a first-ever comprehensive look back with the Walt Disney Archives at the beautiful storybooks created for the opening sequences of classic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), as well as more recent stories like Enchanted (2007) and Wish (2023); and an homage to the 30th anniversary of Disney on Broadway with intimate, first-person stories from Broadway magic makers including Susan Egan (the original Broadway Belle), Ashley Brown (the original Broadway Mary Poppins), and many more.
Disney twenty-three is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps and is included as a benefit of their D23 Gold Membership. The latest issue will begin arriving by the end of February. Plus, as a special gift to D23 Gold Members and D23 Charter Members, the Disney twenty-three Spring 2024 issue will include a specially designed magnet celebrating the official fan club’s 15th anniversary.
D23 15th ANNIVERSARY EVENT: On March 10, 2024, D23 is commemorating 15 years of fandom, fun, and favorite memories with a special Gold Member-exclusive event at The Most Magical Place on Earth: Walt Disney World Resort! The event will include exclusive access to Splitsville Luxury Lanes, where guests can enjoy entertainment and games, festive food, photo spots, and specialty merchandise.
D23 DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS: To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog (2009), D23 is inviting members to reexperience the story with a Big Easy theatrical screening of the beloved film and a D23 “Dreams Do Come True” Grand Finale event at The New Orleans Jazz Museum featuring an exclusive reception, themed photo opportunities, live jazz performances, and a commemorative gift.
D23: THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT: Join D23 and the entire Disney family in Anaheim, California, for a one-of-a-kind fan experience that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more! Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning March 26. Highlights of the event include:
Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium
Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Enjoy exclusive shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations at the Anaheim Convention Center, along with marquee shows every evening at the Honda Center
THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS OFFICIAL TOUR – PRESENTED BY D23: D23 welcomes guests to The Walt Disney Studios Lot, giving members the opportunity to visit the world-famous studio in Burbank, California. These tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television series, and theme parks—along with the chance to look inside the Walt Disney Archives and draw inspiration from Walt Disney’s office suite.
SIGNATURE EVENTS: Throughout the year,D23 Members can look forward to exclusive events such as previews of upcoming traveling exhibitions around the world from the Walt Disney Archives. Members will get the opportunity to enjoy advance and opening night screenings of the latest Disney movies at locations across the country.
Employee-exclusive merchandise stores, including The Walt Disney Company Store and Walt Disney Imagineering’s Mickey’s of Glendale, will open their doors to members for both online and in-person opportunities. Also, look out for the return of holiday magic at The Walt Disney Studios Lot. In November, fans will get the opportunity to enjoy a D23 experience like no other with a multi-day event coming to São Paulo, Brazil.
2024 GOLD MEMBER COLLECTOR SET – THE D23 MAGIC & MYSTERY BOX: Celebrating the stories that foster classic Disney magic and paying tribute to magician kits of yesteryear, the D23 Magic & Mystery Box Collector Set boasts an illustrious lineup with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse collectible figurine, a mystery companion collectible figurine, a deck of playing cards, and a mystery pair of beautifully sculpted pins, as well as a Membership Card and Certificate—which will be available to all new and renewing D23 Gold Members in 2024!
Delight in magical companions and enchanted objects from beloved Disney films including The Sword in the Stone (1963), The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Princess and the Frog (2009), Coco (2017), Encanto (2021), and more. The 2024 Gold Member Collector Set will begin shipping this spring.
D23 MEMBER APPRECIATION MONTH: Throughout March, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will be celebrating its 15th anniversary as part of Member Appreciation Month. D23 will share exclusive offers, fun downloads to showcase the beloved fandoms of The Walt Disney Company, and a truly magical sweepstakes. D23 Gold Members will be able to flaunt their fandom with brand-new exclusive merchandise that features some fan-favorite characters.
Ready to book your trip to experience a D23 event? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
We recently found these new Italy Pavilion Lug Bags during our visit to the World Showcase in Epcot! They are very practical and filled with magic making them perfect to take on all your fun adventures!
This crossbody bag features a red nylon material with an embroidered patch on the front of Minnie Mouse wearing an Italy flag bow. On the back, Mickey Mouse is happily saying “La Vita E Bella!” and we can totally agree with him!
You can use this bag as a crossbody or use the straps on the back to add it to your belt. Very practical for those fun days at the parks.
MICKEY MOUSE ITALY LUG BACKPACK – $95
The backpack features an all over pattern of Mickey and Minnie having a good time around Italy visiting different landmarks. The front double pocket is red and feature Mickey in the perfect Venice outfit of red shorts and stripped shirt plus “Italy Epcot World Showcase” text at the bottom. Very cute bag to carry all your essentials around Epcot.
You can take a closer look at these products in our Instagram post:
Old Key West Loungefly Collection To Bring The Sunshine Whenever You Go!
Experience the romance of the Florida Keys with this Old Key West Loungefly Collection available at Walt Disney World! Now you can remember your magical stay at this relaxing resort with these products available now:
The ear headband features orange slices ears, the Old Key West Resort logo on the back and a green bow with white flowers and an Old Key West license plate charm in the middle. And guess what? They are also orange scented!
OLD KEY WEST LOUNGEFLY BACKPACK – $78
A loungefly backpack with an all over pattern of license plates with different phrases like “Welcome Home”, “Disney Fan”, Old Key West”, “Going to Walt Disney World”, “DVC Owner” and more! The front pocket also looks like a license plate with “OLD KWST” text and an orange in the background.
OLD KEY WEST LOUNGEFLY WALLET – $50
Finish your look with this matching wallet resembling a license place and green plain color interior with 6 card slots and an id slot plus a zippered compartment.
You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
Enchanting Disney Coach Collection Available At Disney Springs!
We found this Disney Coach Collection at Disney Springs and is gorgeous! If you want to add a touch of magic to your style while looking classy, then you are going to love these products featuring Mickey and friends, check them out:
The Mickey and Minnie Tote Bag is stunning! Definitely my favorite in this collection, it features Mickey giving a kiss to Minnie while Mickey hides a bouquet of flowers behind him and a beautiful rainbow takes over the sky in the back, you can get this bag for $795 at the Coach store in Disney Springs! A matching wallet featuring different Mickey patches and pins is also available to complete your look.
If you are looking for just a little accessory, Coach has some adorable retro looking keychains for $195 inspired in Donald, Minnie and Mickey that will add a magical touch to any bag! We also spotted some card holders and a beautiful Mickey Mouse toy to decorate your home!
So next time you visit Disney Springs, make sure to stop by Coach and check out these magical products!
Samuel L. Jackson wants a Mace Windu Disney+ Series
Ever since his debut in Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Mace Windu has stood out as one of the most formidable Jedi Masters in the Star Wars universe. Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed Windu, even personalized his lightsaber with the letters ‘BMF,’ emphasizing the character’s undeniable badassery. Despite his apparent demise in Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith, fans have harbored hopes and rumors that maybe, just maybe, Mace Windu survived.
In a recent exchange with Empire magazine, celebrating 25 years of the Star Wars prequels, Samuel L. Jackson offered emphatic responses to questions about the fate of Mace Windu. When asked about the character’s death scene, Jackson asserted, “HE’S NOT DEAD!!!” Putting any doubts to rest, the actor seems to share the sentiment of many fans who believe that the coolest Jedi may have survived the perils of Revenge Of The Sith.
Adding fuel to the excitement, Jackson expressed eagerness for a Mace Windu-centric Disney+ series. In response to the question of what he would like to explore in such a series, he emphatically stated, “EVERYTHING YES!!” This enthusiastic response aligns with the desires of fans who have longed for more Mace Windu content.
Photo Credit Empire Magazine
While Jackson reprised his role as Windu in a voice role for Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker, and fans currently enjoy a new adventure with the Jedi in the Star Wars: Mace Windu comic series, the prospect of a live-action return on Disney+ has the potential to fulfill the wishes of Star Wars enthusiasts. As the Force wills it, Mace Windu’s story may continue to unfold in the galaxy far, far away.
In response to a recent update from the Hollywood Reporter about an ongoing developmental workshop for Tangled, Disney Theatrical Group is indeed exploring the possibility of bringing the 2010 animated film to the stage.
While it’s confirmed that a developmental workshop is in progress, the ultimate destination of the show is still uncertain. Disney Theatrical often makes titles available exclusively for professional licensing and educational institutions. The company has not yet revealed its future plans for this adaptation, leaving Broadway prospects open-ended.
Tangled draws inspiration from the German fairy tale Rapunzel as found in the Brothers Grimm collection. Starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy, the animated film narrates the tale of Rapunzel, a young princess with magical long blonde hair, longing to explore the world beyond her secluded tower. The storyline unfolds as she teams up with an intruder to embark on a journey into the unknown.
The film boasts a musical score composed by Alan Menken and lyrics penned by Glenn Slater. This dynamic duo has previously collaborated on stage adaptations like The Little Mermaid and Sister Act, as well as the TV series Galavant. As Tangled makes its way into the theatrical realm, fans eagerly await news about its potential Broadway debut and the magical experience it might bring to live audiences.
New Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs LEGO set from Disney
Presenting a magical creation, the LEGO Group introduces the captivating LEGO|Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set, paying homage to the very first Disney Princess character. This charming forest cottage impeccably captures the iconic details from the original Walt Disney Animation Studios film, meticulously reconstructed in the form of LEGO bricks.
Inspired by the 1937 Disney Animation classic, this 2228-piece set is a treasure trove of nostalgia. Featuring 10 minifigures, including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince, and the Queen with the infamous red apple, alongside their delightful animal companions. The set also encompasses a whimsical wishing well adorned with a dove and the pivotal glass box, portraying Snow White’s enchanting awakening.
Nestled deep within the enchanted forest, the cottage stands as a true symbol of Disney magic. Every detail of the iconic dwelling is thoughtfully captured in LEGO form, from the bedroom with its seven miniature beds to the room housing a charming pipe organ, baking table, sink, and cupboards. This intricately designed set invites builders and Disney fans alike to relive the timeless tale in a captivating and tangible way.
The LEGO|DisneySnow White and the Seven Dwarfs Cottage set is available for LEGO Insiders from 1st March 2024 at www.LEGO.com/Snow-White and LEGO Stores for all from 1st June 2024 priced at €219.99 / £189.99 / $219.99.
Thinking of taking a trip to Walt Disney World this Summer? We have the perfect special offer for you! Guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels this Spring and Summer when staying for 5 nights or more!
Immerse yourself in the legendary Disney detail, storytelling, and service that extends from the theme parks right to your resort doorstep. Here’s a breakdown of the savings you can enjoy:
Save Up to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from March 25 to July 7, 2024, at select resorts, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and more. Enjoy 30% off for stays of 5 or more nights and 25% off for stays of 1 to 4 nights.
Save Up to 25% on rooms at resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, with 25% off for longer stays and 20% off for shorter visits.
Save Up to 20% on rooms at Disney’s All-Star Resorts and other select resorts, with 20% off for stays of 5 or more nights and 15% off for 1 to 4-night stays.
Save Up to 15% on rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, with 15% off for longer stays and 10% off for shorter ones.
Save Up to 10% on rooms at select resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Important Details to Note
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Must be consecutive-night stays.
Offer excludes the following room types:
3-Bedroom Grand Villas, Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Pool View at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Valid admission is required to enjoy the theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.
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!
Marvel Studios Thunderbolts Movie Moves Up its Release Date
On the heels of The Fantastic 4 news that was released yesterday. Marvel’s Thunderbolts film, previously beset by delays, has undergone a significant schedule change in Marvel’s upcoming lineup. Originally slated for a July 25th, 2025 release, the movie has been moved forward and is now set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025.
Positioned as Marvel’s counterpart to DC’s Suicide Squad, Thunderbolts brings together a squad of well-known villains from previous MCU projects such as Captain America and The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp. This motley crew is assembled by the enigmatic CIA agent Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Despite the rescheduling, details about the movie’s plot remain largely under wraps, leaving fans in suspense about what to expect beyond its star-studded cast.
The adjustment in the release date might catch some followers of The Thunderbolts off guard, especially given the recent casting shake-ups and the production delays tied to last year’s SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. Notable changes include the departure of Steven Yeun, initially announced as part of the cast last year but later revealed to no longer play The Sentry early this year. Additionally, Ayo Edebiri recently exited the project, adding to the unfolding narrative surrounding the film.
As Marvel’s Thunderbolts maneuvers through its dynamic production journey, fans are left eagerly anticipating the cinematic unveiling of this intriguing assembly of villains. The rescheduled release date brings the film closer to its audience, promising a thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in May 2025.
