Extended Evening Hours Returning to Hollywood Studios

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July 17, 2024

Extended Evening Hours Returning to Hollywood Studios

Mark your calendars! Starting Wednesday, September 25th, Extended Evening Hours are coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Guests staying at select Disney Resort hotels can enjoy the park from 9 pm to 11 pm.

Just like last year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take the spotlight for Extended Evening Hours when Magic Kingdom switches to hosting special ticketed events for Halloween and Christmas.

While the specific attractions haven’t been confirmed yet, here’s a look at what was open during Extended Evening Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2023:

Alien Swirling Saucers
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
MuppetVision 3D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Toy Story Mania!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Extended evening theme park hours is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, which include:

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Shades of Green on Walt Disney World

Planning your Disney World trip can be overwhelming, but I can help! As your travel agent, I’ll navigate the options for hotels, tickets, and dining reservations, all while keeping an eye out for special deals. Let me sprinkle some pixie dust on your vacation planning – tell me your dream Disney trip and I’ll take care of the rest!

Bring the Spooky Sounds of the Haunted Mansion to Your Holidays with Hallmark’s Victor Geist Ornament!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2024

Bring the Spooky Sounds of the Haunted Mansion to Your Holidays with Hallmark’s Victor Geist Ornament!

Looking for a hauntingly festive addition to your Christmas tree this year? Look no further than the Victor Geist Ornament from Hallmark’s Disney Haunted Mansion Collection!

This delightful ornament features Victor Geist, the resident organist of the Haunted Mansion’s Grand Hall, playing his eerie pipe organ for a ghostly dinner party. The scene is filled with spectral splendor, perfectly capturing the eerie charm of the iconic Disney ride. It retails for $44.99 and is available at Hallmark stores and online.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This ornament is equipped with both light and sound features. Plug it into Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately) to bathe your tree in a spooky glow. Then, press the button to activate the sound effect, and hear Victor Geist play a chilling rendition of the classic Haunted Mansion tune, “Grim Grinning Ghosts.

Here’s why you’ll love this ornament:

Captures the spooky charm of The Haunted Mansion
Features light and sound effects, including a rendition of “Grim Grinning Ghosts”
Perfect for fans of the Disney ride
Makes a hauntingly fun addition to any Christmas tree

So don’t wait any longer! Bring a touch of the Haunted Mansion to your holidays with this frightfully festive ornament. It’s sure to be a cherished part of your holiday decorating for years to come!

Credit: Hallmark

Unwrap Your Dream with the Exclusive Tangled Rapunzel Lenticular Lantern Mini Backpack at BoxLunch!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2024

Unwrap Your Dream with the Exclusive Tangled Rapunzel Lenticular Lantern Mini Backpack at BoxLunch!

Get ready to relive the magic with the enchanting Loungefly Disney Tangled Rapunzel Lenticular Lantern Mini Backpack, available exclusively at BoxLunch Gifts! This adorable backpack is bursting with details that will make your heart soar, all for $79.90.

The front pocket features a charming applique of Rapunzel gazing longingly out her tower window. But the true magic lies within! A captivating lenticular panel showcases the iconic scene of countless lanterns floating into the night sky. As you tilt the bag, the lanterns appear to shimmer and dance, bringing the scene to life.

This backpack isn’t just about the big picture. Delicate embossed details adorn the side pockets, adding a touch of elegance. And the entire body of the bag is decorated with beautiful painted elements that capture the whimsical spirit of Tangled.

Whether you’re embarking on a trip to the Disney Parks or simply carrying your essentials around town, this mini backpack is the perfect companion. It’s both functional and stylish, ensuring you can carry your treasures in comfort while showcasing your love for Tangled.

This exclusive Loungefly mini backpack is a must-have for any Tangled enthusiast. Head to BoxLunch Gifts today and snag yours before they’re gone! At $79.90, it’s the perfect way to add a touch of fairytale magic to your everyday life.

Credit: BoxLunch Gifts

Disney Adds Spooky Flair to Your Kitchen with New Haunted Mansion Kitchen Accessories!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2024

Disney Adds Spooky Flair to Your Kitchen with New Haunted Mansion Kitchen Accessories!

Get ready to add a chillingly delightful touch to your kitchen with the arrival of brand new Haunted Mansion kitchen accessories at the Disney Store!

Whip Up Some Thrills with the Haunted Mansion Apron

Become a ghostly host in your own kitchen with this hauntingly fun apron! For $34.99, you can transform yourself into the perfect ghoul-met for culinary creations. The all-over print features your favorite characters and scenes from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction, including the spectral Singing Busts, the mesmerizing Madame Leota, and the mischievous Hitchhiking Ghosts.

Double the Trouble with the Haunted Mansion Kitchen Towel Set

Who wouldn’t love a little spectral assistance in the kitchen? This spooktacular towel set, priced at $24.99, features everyone’s favorite hitchhiking trio, Phineas, Ezra, and Gus on a hauntingly elegant black background on one towel. The other towel boasts a dazzling all-over print showcasing the unforgettable characters and scenes from the ride, including the Singing Busts and the hardworking Gravedigger.

These haunting new additions are the perfect way to add a touch of eerie elegance to your kitchen, or the ideal gift for any Haunted Mansion fanatic! So head over to the Disney Store now and get ready to cook up some chills!

Credit: Disney Store

Roar for Style with the Monsters University Loungefly Mini Backpack at Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2024

Roar for Style with the Monsters University Loungefly Mini Backpack at Magic Kingdom!

Get ready to unleash your inner Mike Wazowski or James P. Sullivan with the spooktacular new Monsters University Loungefly Mini Backpack, now available at Magic Kingdom.

Find your Monsters University Loungefly Mini Backpack at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom or online at the Disney Store for $89!

This fang-tastic mini backpack perfectly captures the spirit of Monsters University, the esteemed scare school from Disney and Pixar. Designed to resemble a collegiate varsity jacket, the bag boasts vibrant colors, sporty stripes, and even cleverly detailed faux buttons.

But the scares don’t stop there! Adorned with the official “Disney Pixar Monsters University” logo, the Monsters U emblem and a prestigious scare medal, this backpack is a true champion of style. A patch featuring Archie, the mascot of rival school Fear Tech, adds a playful touch of competition.

Functionality meets frightfulness with this Loungefly mini backpack. A roomy zippered compartment keeps your essentials safe, while convenient side slip pockets offer quick access to your phone, scare canister, or favorite human scream.

Whether you’re roaming the halls of Monsters University or exploring the wonders of Magic Kingdom, this mini backpack is the perfect companion for any aspiring scarer. Show your school spirit and score a major fashion win for $89!

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A Spooktacular Addition: The Haunted Mansion Dooney and Bourke Wallet Arrives at Magic Kingdom!

By

Ana Leal

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July 17, 2024

A Spooktacular Addition: The Haunted Mansion Dooney and Bourke Wallet Arrives at Magic Kingdom!

Calling all happy haunts! Get ready to materialize your love for the iconic Haunted Mansion with a frightfully fantastic new accessory, the Haunted Mansion Dooney and Bourke Wallet! This spellbinding creation has landed at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom, and it’s sure to cast a hauntingly stylish spell on your everyday essentials.

For a chillingly chic $188, you can possess this white simulated leather masterpiece. Its surface shimmers with a captivating toile print, showcasing a hauntingly delightful array of characters and scenes inspired by the beloved Disney Parks attraction.

On the front, the disembodied head of Madame Leota, the beloved medium, materializes above her seance table, ready to answer your most pressing spectral inquiries. A touch of elegance is added with a gleaming metal Dooney & Bourke tag perched atop the front panel.

But the hauntings don’t stop there! Flip the wallet over, and you’ll find the infamous black hearse from the Haunted Mansion queue parked eerily beside Madame Leota’s tombstone. It’s a subtle yet delightfully spooky detail that true fans will cherish.

Functionality meets frightful fun with a goldtone zipper that snakes along all three sides of the wallet, keeping your treasures securely within. Peek inside, and you’ll discover a hauntingly practical surprise – several slip pockets designed to accommodate all your ghostly goodies, from spectral credit cards to otherworldly ID.

So, if you’re searching for a bewitchingly beautiful and wickedly useful accessory to hold your mortal possessions, this Haunted Mansion Dooney & Bourke Wallet is the perfect choice. Head over to Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom and materialize yours today! Happy haunting!

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Country Bear Musical Jamboree Soundtrack Now Available on Music Streaming Platforms!

By

Catherine

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July 17, 2024

Country Bear Musical Jamboree Album Now Sings Your Way!

Get ready to two-step down memory lane (or mosey on over for the first time!) because the pawsome tunes from the all-new Country Bear Musical Jamboree are now available to stream! That’s right, y’all, starting today you can listen to the nine toe-tapping tracks performed by your favorite furry friends on Spotify and Apple Music.

This rootin’ tootin’ soundtrack features all the classic country hits you remember from the original show, given a fresh, modern twist for a new generation of fans. We’re talkin’ “The Bare Necessities,” “Try Everything,” and a whole heap of other singalongs that’ll have you humming along all day long.

While one song, “Remember Me” from Coco, isn’t available just yet, the rest of the album – clocking in at a neat 18 minutes and 35 seconds – is sure to have you knee-slappin’ and grinnin’ from ear to ear.

To celebrate this pawsome occasion, a brand new poster has sprouted up near the Magic Kingdom entrance, and a limited edition T-shirt is now on sale at the park. So, mosey on over, grab your favorite streamin’ device, and get ready to experience the foot-stompin’ fun of the Country Bear Jamboree, no matter where you are!

Exclusive Travel Agency Offer: Save up to $1,300 on a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort!

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2024

Are you ready to experience all the amazing thrills that Universal Orlando Resort’s three incredible theme parks have to offer? Now, you can save up to $1,300 with an exclusive offer when you book via a Universal Preferred Travel Agency, such as our recommended travel agency, Destinations To Travel.

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What’s Included in the Package?

5-Night Hotel Accommodations: Enjoy a comfortable stay at select Universal Orlando Resort hotels.

3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Vacation Package Promo Ticket: Access Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay on the same day. This offer is valid for select travel dates from June 13, 2024, to March 6, 2025. Restrictions apply.

Early Park Admission: Get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour before the park opens. Valid theme park admission is required and select attractions apply.

Complimentary Shuttle Transportation and Walking Paths: Convenient access to Universal’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Complimentary Merchandise Delivery: Have your purchases delivered directly to your hotel.

Resort-Wide Charging Privileges: Use your room key card for resort-wide charging.

Select On-Site Hotels Included In This Offer

Value Hotels:

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Enjoy complimentary shuttle transportation, merchandise delivery, and resort-wide charging privileges.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites: Offers the same convenient amenities as Endless Summer Resort.

Prime Value On-Site Resort Hotels:

Universal Stella Nova Resort (Opening January 21, 2025): Complimentary shuttle transportation, merchandise delivery, and resort-wide charging privileges.
Universal Terra Luna Resort (Opening February 25, 2025): Enjoy the same fantastic amenities as Stella Nova Resort.

Premier On-Site Hotels:

Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Includes FREE Universal Express Unlimited ride access, complimentary water taxis, priority seating at select restaurants, merchandise delivery, and resort-wide charging privileges.
Hard Rock Hotel: Offers all the benefits of Loews Royal Pacific Resort, with the added rock ‘n’ roll flair of the Hard Rock brand.

Book Now!

Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to save up to $1,300 on a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package at Universal Orlando Resort. To take advantage of this offer, you will need to book by August 14th for a stay between now and March 6, 2025. Contact Destinations To Travel today to take advantage of this amazing offer and experience all the excitement Universal Orlando has to offer!

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!

Disney Spends Over $142 Million to Change Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

By

Catherine

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July 17, 2024

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Disney Invests $142 Million in Enchanting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Disney is known for its commitment to innovation and storytelling, and their latest theme park offering, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is a prime example. This exciting revamp of the beloved Splash Mountain ride brings the magic of “The Princess and the Frog” to life, featuring the first Black Disney princess, Tiana.

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A Breathtaking Transformation

While some may miss the iconic tree stump, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure boasts a stunning new centerpiece: a weeping willow nestled on a mossy outcrop. Imagineers, Disney’s team of creative minds, poured their talents into crafting immersive scenes filled with vibrant colors and captivating details. The ride takes guests on a musical journey through the Louisiana bayou, joining Tiana in her quest to fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant.

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Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion

The arrival of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure marks a significant milestone for Disney. This enchanting ride celebrates diversity and inclusion, showcasing a strong and determined princess who inspires young people of all backgrounds. Five original songs add to the joyful atmosphere, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Investment in Guest Experience

While the exact cost of individual attractions remains undisclosed, industry experts estimate that the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure reached a staggering $142 million. This investment reflects Disney’s dedication to providing guests with cutting-edge technology and captivating storytelling.

A Labor of Love: Reimagining Splash Mountain

While the Star Tours upgrade took a year, transforming Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure proved to be a more intensive undertaking. Spanning 17 months, the project involved a meticulous overhaul. Unlike Star Tours, which primarily focused on incorporating new digital elements, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure demanded significant real-world changes. Imagineers undertook extensive labor-intensive renovations to the ride’s setting.

This included crafting entirely new sets, creating a menagerie of 48 audio-animatronic characters, and composing five original songs to weave a captivating narrative. While the ride incorporates bespoke computer-generated imagery (CGI) on select screens, the focus here wasn’t on a heavy CGI overhaul like Star Tours. Instead, the emphasis was on building a richly detailed physical environment teeming with life and music.

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A New Era for Theme Park Entertainment

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure represents a new chapter in theme park entertainment. By combining classic log flume thrills with innovative storytelling and a focus on diversity, Disney has created a ride that’s sure to become a favorite for generations to come. While some initial challenges exist, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has the potential to be a huge success, attracting new audiences and solidifying Disney’s position as a leader in immersive entertainment.

What do you think of the newly retheme ride? We loved it! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Universal Orlando Resort’s Largest Daytime Parade, Universal Mega Movie Parade Now Open

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2024

Get ready to be amazed as Universal Orlando Resort unveils its largest daytime parade yet! The Universal Mega Movie Parade is now open at Universal Studios Florida, bringing fan-favorite films to life right before your eyes. This spectacular parade highlights iconic movies such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.

Parade Highlights

The Universal Mega Movie Parade features 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers, and an array of special effects. Guests can marvel at:

The Trolls Float: Featuring the colorful Caterbus with giant rainbows.
The Ghostbusters Float: Showcasing a massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
The Minions Float: Groovy Minions on a 70s dance floor.
The Jaws Float: A live marching drum line performing the iconic movie score alongside a themed float.
The Jurassic World Float: The epic finale with a fierce Tyrannosaurus rex.

Additionally, fans will spot details paying homage to iconic elements from the films as the parade winds through Universal Studios Florida.

Interactive Bubble Wands

To enhance the experience, guests can purchase interactive bubble wands inspired by the parade’s films. These wands illuminate, blow bubbles, vibrate, and activate sounds when interacting with select parade floats and other bubble wands. Featuring characters from Trolls, Jurassic World, and Minions, each bubble wand offers unique sounds and lights for custom interactions. These wands are available at various retail locations throughout Universal Orlando Resort.

New Experiences at Universal Orlando

The Universal Mega Movie Parade tops off a collection of new experiences that Universal Orlando Resort debuted this summer, providing fun for the whole family from day to night. Other must-see experiences include:

DreamWorks Land: An expansive, vibrant themed environment with attractions, character meet-and-greets, interactive play areas, and a live show inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda.
CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular: A riveting new nighttime lagoon show that takes guests on a cinematic journey through soundtracks from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present, and future attractions.
Hogwarts Always in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade: An all-new castle projection show that takes guests through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts.

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Plan Your Visit

Access to all the incredible new entertainment at Universal Orlando is included with theme park admission. Guests can take advantage of special offers to plan their visit:

Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket: Enjoy five days of theme park fun for the price of a 3-day ticket.
Save 30% off a 3-Park, 5-Night Vacation Package: Includes accommodations at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal Aventura Hotel.
Save 25% on Room Types at Universal Endless Summer Resort: Discounts on stays of three to six nights now through August 24, 2024.

Disney’s DVC Polynesian Island Tower Construction Update for July 2024

By

Chris B

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July 17, 2024

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Exciting progress is being made on the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Polynesian Island Tower, with much of the exterior paint and details already applied. The majority of the sliding glass doors on the room balconies have been installed, along with most of the balcony railings. Construction is progressing well, with the tower set to open on December 17, 2024.

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Key Tower Highlights

Panoramic Views: The 10-story tower offers stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and easy access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT via the Disney Monorail.
Design and Art: Features a striking Manta Ray design and ceiling art panels inspired by Polynesian wildlife, along with unique artworks created in collaboration with global artists.
Accommodations: Includes duo studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, new two-bedroom penthouse villas, and deluxe studios, accommodating groups of two to nine guests.

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Booking Now Open

Booking is now available for all the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, opening December 17, 2024. Are you planning on staying here? Leave us a comment to let us know!

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Guest Caught Swimming in Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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July 17, 2024

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Guest Caught Swimming in Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom Sparks Safety Concerns

A recent incident at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has raised eyebrows and safety concerns after a guest was caught on video swimming in the Rivers of America. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the individual swimming from Tom Sawyer Island towards a dock near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

While the motive behind this unauthorized swim remains unclear, the incident has sparked discussions about park safety and the importance of adhering to posted rules and regulations. Swimming in any body of water at Walt Disney World is strictly prohibited due to potential hazards, including the presence of alligators and underwater equipment used for attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat.

This incident is not the first of its kind, with previous reports of guests jumping or falling into the Rivers of America. Disney officials have reiterated the importance of guest safety and reminded visitors to refrain from entering any bodies of water not designated for swimming.

The guest in question was reportedly apprehended by Disney Cast Members shortly after the video was taken. While the specific consequences they face remain undisclosed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of disregarding park rules.