New 2 Story Earl of Sandwich Restaurant Coming to Downtown Disney
A new 2 story Earl of Sandwich Restaurant is coming to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort later this year! Earl of Sandwich has had multiple locations in Downtown Disney over the years but the new spot will be its permanent location.
Plans are in the works for an all-new, two-story location in Downtown Disney District, with a quick-service Earl of Sandwich shop on the ground level and a table-service gastropub upstairs. More information will be shared soon!
In the meantime, keep an eye out for a temporary Earl of Sandwich pop-up opening soon near Star Wars Trading Post. Here, you will be able to pick up sandwiches such as The Original 1762, The Full Montagu or my personal must-have, the Holiday Turkey, as well as hand-crafted wraps, salads and sweets.
As we previously shared, Earl of Sandwich will be relocated from its temporary location on the east end of the district near the Esplanade to make way for the design and construction of an all-new Porto’s Bakery.
Earl of Sandwich offers an incredible selection of signature hot sandwiches, pizza breads, soups, salads, sides, wraps and decadent desserts. Each savory creation begins with artisan loaves baked to perfection and piled high with choice ingredients, including premium meats roasted fresh daily using cherished family recipes.
The restaurant is extremely popular with guests and we are so happy it’s getting a larger, more permanent location!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me to get started! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
New & Returning Character Meet & Greets Coming to the Disneyland Resort
As the Lunar New Year celebration kicked off at the Disneyland Resort, new and returning character meet and greets have arrived! Take a look at the fun characters guests can meet right now.
Mulan & Mushu will be greeting guests periodically at the gazebo in Paradise Gardens in Disney California Adventure. Mulan is dressed in vibrant attire inspired by Lunar New Year.
Mickey & Minnie
When Mushu and Mulan aren’t at the gazebo in Paradise Gardens, you might find Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse there! Chinese designer Guo Pei created the beautiful festival attire that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse wear to honor the celebration; the embroidered wave patterns were designed to suggest the sea and clouds, which symbolize good luck, fortune and fate.
Raya
Under the forest canopy in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, guests can encounter the heroic Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon.
Meilin Lee & Ming Lee
For the first time, meet Meilin Lee and her mom Ming Lee from Turning Red on San Francisco Street. They’re observing Chinese traditions together and Meilin is so excited… she’ll be starting to show her Red Panda side!
What characters are you hoping to meet at the Disneyland Resort?
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland with these Food & Drink Offerings
Celebrate Soulfully is returning to the Disneyland Resort next month for Black History Month! The culinary teams at the resort will be creating delicious eats and sips honoring Black heritage and culture. Take a look at the tasty ways you can enjoy the Celebrate Soulfully festivities next month.
Troubadour Tavern (Available Feb. 16-18 and 23-25; mobile order available)
Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato corn bread
Sweet Potato Pie Casserole: Sweet potato-pecan pie (New)
River Belle Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)
Brunch Platter: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy, and house slaw
Dinner Platter: BBQ brisket, fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and biscuit and gravy
Cafe Orleans (Available Feb. 1 through April 1)
Prix-Fixe Meal with choice of appetizer, deviled eggs and pickled vegetables, gumbo, or Caesar salad with cornmeal fried fish and turtle cheesecake
Tiana’s Palace
House-filled Beignet featuring lemon ice box pie filling topped with lemon glaze
7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice
7 Greens Gumbo: White beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice (Plant-based)
Beef Po’boy Sandwich: Slow-cooked beef in gravy dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread and served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles
Disney California Adventure Park
Lamplight Lounge and Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Currently available)
Barrel Aged Smoked : Uncle Nearest 1884 Bourbon, turbinado sugar, Angostura Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, and a luxury ice cube (New)
McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé (New)
Crowns & Hops Pilsner (New)
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Bar, Hearthstone Lounge, and Storytellers Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Golden Soul: Uncle Nearest 1884, ginger liqueur, creme de cassis, lime juice, and raspberries
Crowns & Hops 8 Trill Pills
Downtown Disney District
Salt & Straw (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken Ice Cream: In partnership and support of Black-owned business, Ezell’s Famous Chicken out of Washington State, this savory and spicy ice cream is made with fresh croissants, torn into bits, that are then deep-fried with chicken fat until crispy and then churned into salted vanilla ice cream. A touch of cinnamon, splash of honey, and a shake of secret spices gives you a sweet Cajun heat with pleasant pops and crackles
If you’d like to experience Celebrate Soulfully at the Disneyland Resort, contact me to day! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Race Themes Revealed for 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend
The race themes for the new 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend have been revealed! Taking place September 5-8, 2024, the Disneyland Resort will be conjuring up high spirits with four days of events for all skill levels including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the Halloween season.
A Race That’s a Real Treat Join Chip ‘n Dale as they host the delightful 2024 Disneyland Halloween 5K. This 3.1-mile trick-or-treat themed adventure through Disneyland Resort will be happy Halloween fun for everyone!
Disneyland Halloween 10K – Sept. 7, 2024
A Hauntingly Fun Run Lace up for excitement as some Haunted Mansion inhabitants join spectral forces for the 2024 Disneyland Halloween 10K. For 6.2 miles through Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim area, be on the lookout for Hitchhiking Ghosts, the Hatbox Ghost, Singing Busts and more!
Talk About Running Amok (Amok, Amok, Amok, Amok, Amok) Prepare for a bit of “hocus-pocus” during the spellbinding 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon! Join the Sanderson Sisters (with Minnie Mouse as Winifred, Daisy Duck as Sarah, Clarabelle Cow as Mary and Figaro as Binx) as they host this 13.1-mile run through Disneyland Resort and the city of Anaheim.
runDisney Kids Races – Sept. 7, 2024
“Git-R-Done” Runs for Younger Ones Kids ages 9 and younger can start their engines (not that they ever stop) and “Git-R-Done” during our fun-filled runDisney® Kids’ Races hosted by favorites from Disney and Pixar’s Cars.
Chills & Thrills Challenge
The Run of Your Dreams…or Nightmares Sign up for an event that’s nightmarish in the most wonderful of ways—the 2024 Chills & Thrills Challenge. Hosted by Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the challenge dares you to complete both the Disneyland Halloween 10K and the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon on pace, earning a special medal when you do.
Complete both the Disneyland Halloween 10K and Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon races on pace and earn:
Disneyland Halloween 10K medal
Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon medal
Chills & Thrills Challenge medal
That’s a grand total of 3 medals in one weekend! You’ll need to register for the Chills & Thrills Challenge––which includes both races––to be eligible for the challenge medal.
Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration for the event begins February 6, 2024, at 7:00 AM Pacific Time | 10:00 AM Eastern Time. General Registration for the event opens February 13, 2024, at 7:00 AM Pacific Time | 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
Are you excited to race through a spooktacular Disneyland Resort this Halloween time?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Behind-the-Scenes Studio Tour Attraction Celebrates 60 Years at Universal Studios Hollywood
The behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary! In 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood, originally referred to as Universal City Studios, rolled out its fleet of Glamor Trams, inviting tourists to “see film rushes of current productions, both feature and television, being made at Universal City”.
2024 celebrates the Studio Tour’s milestone 60 years, the more than 200 million guests who have experienced this attraction and, ultimately, Universal Studios Hollywood’s storied history. More information will be shared soon highlighting the exciting program planned for spring and summer in support of the Studio Tour’s 60thanniversary.
During its inaugural year, behind-the-scenes special effects featured a brief make-up demonstration, a display of costumes by renowned costume designer Edith Head, an energetic two-man stunt performance and a tour of picturesque outdoor film sets. The following year, Universal expanded its scope of entertainment to feature a series of live entertainment that included a stunt show, animal show and screen test comedy theatre—all a precursor to what would eventually lead to the development of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.
The point of entry for visiting guests at that time was at The Tourist Center, located at the Universal Commissary Building, where make-up artist demonstrations, trick photography and special props were on display.
Studio Tour Guides were central to the operations of the Glamor Tram tours then and remain vital to the success of the Studio Tour today. Numerous times a day, professionally trained Studio Tour Guides interact with guests, educating them on the inner workings of the movie and television lot, armed with insider information and first-hand accounts, and entertain them with tours in both English and Spanish.
While much has transpired in six decades, the Studio Tour has remained true to its roots of immersing guests in the awe-inspiring world of movie-making magic and providing remarkable access to production sets on a real studio lot. The once celebrated Glamor Trams are long gone and have been replaced with a contemporary 60-minute experience, infused with advanced technology that enlightens and entertains millions of film buffs, theme park fans and tourists alike visiting from across the globe.
The Studio Tour of today continues to build on its rich history and like many great blockbuster films, creates a foundation for the next big sequel…and therein lies the origins of Universal Studios Hollywood.
From ushering guests past iconic sets from the renowned film Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock – one of the very first film sets accessible for visitors to see up close and personal in 1964 – to the evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood, immersing guests in innovative, groundbreaking rides and attractions themed to compelling film and television properties, Studio Tour was “act one” in the development of the notable Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) portfolio of global theme parks.
As the landmark Studio Tour turns a milestone 60, the juxtaposition of then and now shines a spotlight on its evolution to the theme park of today.
Have you had a chance to experience the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood?
If you’d like to plan your next trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the much-awaited new attraction set to replace the beloved Splash Mountain, has just revealed an important detail for visitors. The official Walt Disney World website has updated its information to include a minimum height requirement for this upcoming ride.
Fans will be happy to know the attractions height requirement is set at a minimum of 40 inches-the same as the heigh requirement for Splash Mountain. This does not come as much of a surprise as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is utilizing the same ride system as Splash Mountain.
The 40-inch height requirement is a key piece of information for families planning their visit. It means that young adventurers who were tall enough to experience the thrills of Splash Mountain will also be able to enjoy Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This consistency in height requirement is great news for parents who can now easily determine if their children can join in on the fun.
Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Let us know in the comments! 🎢✨🐸
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 familiar with Disneyland visiting Walt Disney World for the first time are often confused to learn there are no beignets available in the Magic Kingdom. We are happy to announce the Magic Kingdoms beignet drought is about to come to an end, as Tiana’s World Famous Beignets are coming (for a limited time) to the park!
Guests will be able to enjoy Tiana’s Famous Beignets at the Magic Kingdom’s Golden Outpost from Feb. 1 through March 1. Disney describes the treats as “Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with strawberry dipping sauce.”
The beignets are coming to the Magic Kingdom as part of the Celebrate Soulfully 2024 events. Celebrate Soulfully brings an array of delicious eats and sips honoring Black heritage and culture to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Guests are encouraged to check out check out Cooking With Soul for more ways to celebrate.
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 heading to the Magic Kingdom next month will want to keep a close eye on their MyDisneyExperience app, as the park preparing to make some changes to the parade schedule.
Currently guests can enjoy the popular Festival of Fantasy parade daily at 3 P.M. Starting on February 18, the parade will move to two shows each day: one at noon and the second at 3 P.M.
It is not uncommon for Disney to run two parades during busier seasons, and then drop down to 1 parade per day when lighter crowds are expected.
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!
Lunar New Year Festival Begins Today at Disney California Adventure
The Lunar New Year Festival has begun at Disney California Adventure! Now through Feb. 18, 2024, guests can celebrate a tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions. The limited-time event rings in the Year of the Dragon with food and beverages inspired by Asian cuisine, joyous entertainment and more.
New this year, Meilin Lee and her mother Ming Lee from Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” make their Disneyland Resort debut, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa features new celebratory décor hallmarked by a dragon kite and confectionery display.
Symbolizing good luck, fortune and happiness, Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure Park will be adorned in brilliant red and gold. A pavilion decked in bamboo, peach blossoms, golden flowers and banners creates a memorable photo opportunity.
Asian-inspired dining with a Disney twist
Six Lunar New Year marketplaces and select dining locations at Disney California Adventure Park offer an array of dishes and beverages inspired by Asian cuisines – prepared with a uniquely Disney twist. Among the flavorful selections this year are the pork banh mi sandwich, kung pao bao, strawberry milk tea macaron and taro Vietnamese-style iced coffee. Guests can collect special novelties, available for purchase while supplies last, such as the Mickey Mouse-shaped macaron straw clip and Lunar New Year stainless steel tumbler.
Guests may choose to purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which can be shared among their group or used over multiple visits to this year’s Lunar New Year celebration. The pass includes six coupons redeemable for select food or nonalcoholic beverages from participating marketplaces and dining locations at Disney California Adventure Park.
This year, guests will redeem their Sip and Savor Pass coupons in one of two simple ways, depending on pass type availability:
This year’s Lunar New Year Celebration is testing a new way for guests to redeem their Sip and Savor Pass coupons. At checkout, guests who receive a scannable pass can let a cast member at the location scan their pass before entering the 4-digit code located on their pass. The remaining number of digital coupons on the pass will be printed on the receipt. Guests may also ask a cast member at any festival marketplace to scan the Sip and Savor Pass and confirm the number of digital coupons remaining on the pass.
Those who receive a pass with attached coupons can present their Sip and Savor Pass to a cast member at the location with the coupon still attached.
Two specialty carts, Kayla’s Cake and Lady Fortunes, offer more festival treats at Disney California Adventure Park.
Entertainment, art and more
Meilin Lee and her mother Ming Lee from Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” make their Disneyland Resort debut, as they ring in the new year at the pathway between Grizzly Peak and Paradise Gardens Park. They love observing Chinese traditions together, and 13-year-old Meilin is so excited that she has begun to turn into her Red Panda form.
For the Year of the Dragon, Mushu from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Mulan” leads the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” which honors family, friendship and the potential for a fortune-filled year. As they travel along the parade route from Hollywood Land to Paradise Gardens Park, Mushu and Mulan are joined by dozens of spirited performers.
The “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration”nighttime water show performs on Paradise Bay shortly before “World of Color – ONE.” Set to a stirring musical score by Academy Award®-winning composer Tan Dun, it tells the story of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune.
Disney characters such as Mulan and Mushu, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy greet guests at the gazebo in Paradise Gardens. Chinese designer Guo Pei created the beautiful festival attire that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse wear to honor the celebration; the embroidered wave patterns were designed to suggest the sea and clouds, which symbolize good luck, fortune and fate.
The Paradise Garden Bandstand and Sonoma Terrace present an exciting rotation of live entertainment. New to the lineup are Korean recording artist Luna Lee and the Vietnamese trio, New Tradition. The schedule also features returning favorites: Korean-American a cappella group Vocal Seoul, plus various community performing groups.
At the Lunar New Year Wishing Wall, guests can stroll beneath strings of ornamental lanterns and share their messages of hope, health and happiness for this year.
Guests of all ages can enjoy complimentary crafts, while supplies last, and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations by local artisans. Artistic displays educate guests about the unique story of Lunar New Year in each culture, along with artwork featuring 12 Disney characters as the 12 zodiac animals.
New this year, the dragon kite on display at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa spans 80 feet long and features a custom design inspired by blossoms, symbolizing the rebirth of spring. Three figures of children hold the kite, each representing a culture that celebrates Lunar New Year.
Overnight hotel guests can book a Tai Chi fitness class by Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for an additional fee.
This year’s Lunar New Year merchandise collection will incorporate special motifs for Year of the Dragon. In addition, Arribas Brothers, Kawaii Slime Co., Lovepop and Working to Give are hosting pop-up shops at Disney California Adventure Park. At Downtown Disney District, Lovepop and Pandora Jewelry will each feature a Lunar New Year merchandise item.
If you’d like to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
The keychain are available in white, black or pink with gold stars and sparkles and can be personalized with yours name! Super cute to treat yourself or to gift to your friends!
New Mickey Mouse And Friends Tumbler By Corkcicle Now At shopDisney!
We know everyone is going crazy over the Stanley tumblers but take a look at this Mickey Mouse And Friends Tumbler now at shopDisney!
Is made by Corkcicle and features beloved Disney characters that will bring a smile to your face every time you have your favorite drink on it. You can get it online at shopDisney for $39.99.
The tumbler features a stainless steel double wall construction with a beautiful dark green color at the bottom and a rainbow of lines featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto.
It also features a handle, press on, spill free lid with a silicone gasket and sliding sipper closure. It can also fit in most auto cup holders and can keep your favorite drink hot or cold.
The topper is made of acrylic and you can choose between different colors and font types! You can also personalize it with your name or any word you want, so cute!
