Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Soundtrack Debuts Today, June 28
The soundtrack for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sets sail today, June 28th, on Walt Disney Records. This coincides perfectly with the grand opening of the attraction at Walt Disney World! Get ready to sing along as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure makes its splash at Disneyland Resort later this year.
Grammy-Award winners, PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, recorded this special soundtrack in New Orleans with some of the city’s most prolific talent from Jon Batiste to Trombone Shorty, Jon Clearly and more.
While experiencing the attraction, not only will you find yourself singing along to “Special Spice,” there’s even new renditions of familiar favorites from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” You can hear these tunes by PJ Morton on the attraction and in the queue by Terence Blanchard, from “Gonna Take You There” to “Almost There” and more!
When streaming the soundtrack, you won’t want to miss the all-new, original song “Special Spice” — written, produced and performed by Grammy-Award winner PJ Morton with vocals by Anika Noni Rose, the original voice of Princess Tiana and Disney Legend.
Anika Noni Rose – The beloved voice of Princess Tiana and Disney Legend returns to the role once again, singing vocals on “Special Spice”!
Jon Batiste, Jon Cleary and Trombone Shorty — The Grammy-award winning and multi-hyphenate musicians performed on songs throughout the attraction!
Tarriona “Tank” Ball – A New Orleans native and singer performed a new rendition of “Dig A Little Deeper” for the attraction.
Dirty Dozen Brass Band — The group played and sang the song “They All Asked for You,” a song familiar to many of the residents of New Orleans.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band — The group played with an all-star rhythm section assembled by Terence Blanchard, including Louisiana Fairytale, Tailgate Ramble and Bourbon Street Parade.
Leah Chase Kamata – The daughter of Dooky and Leah Chase, the NOLA staple and accomplished singer lent her voice for the queue song, “Do you Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.”
Charlie Gabriel — An icon in the New Orleans music community, the 91-year-old musician sang lead vocal and played clarinet on “Tailgate Ramble.”
Terrance Simien – The two-time Grammy winner and phenomenal Zydeco artist performed the queue version of “Gonna Take You There.”
Disneyland to also use New Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass
Changes are coming to the Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane service at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort starting next month. While multiple changes are coming to the service at Disney World, the only change coming to Disneyland is the name change.
Disney Genie+ service will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. Disneyland Resort will use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass names beginning July 24.
Based on the different ways guests visit Disneyland Resort, the way guests purchase, select and redeem Lightning Lane passes at Disneyland Resort will remain the same.
The complimentary features of Disney Genie service will continue to be available in the Disneyland app. This includes features like tailored recommendations, personalized park itinerary, and custom tip board tabs.
Guests who purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass will continue to receive unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital downloads included the day they purchased the pass.
What do you think of the changes coming to Disney’s Genie+ service?
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2024 Holiday Season Kicking off in Disneyland on November 15th
Mark your calendars! The holiday season returns to the Disneyland Resort on November 15th, 2024. Get ready for magical experiences throughout the resort!
Take in the sights and sounds of this joyous celebration of cherished holidays—including Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day—that make the season bright through diverse festivities and beloved seasonal traditions.
Festive Foods Marketplace
Stop by Disney California Adventure Park to discover a world of delectable possibilities throughout the Festive Foods Marketplace. Share in cultural celebrations with a host of delicious dishes at various locations during the Disney Festival of Holidays.
Sip and Savor Pass Sample the foods and flavors of the season with the Sip and Savor Pass—available for purchase to all Guests! During the Disney Festival of Holidays, this pass provides convenient entitlement tabs that you can redeem for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at participating Festive Foods Marketplace kiosks and dining locations.
Sip and Savor Pass, its entitlements, food and beverage offerings, participating marketplace locations and participating dining locations are all subject to availability, restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
Revel in authentic holiday music, dance, décor and a dash of Disney magic! Enjoy the ultimate fiesta for Navidad! This joyous street party features exuberant performances, including authentic folklórico dancers, mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers, drummers and incredible 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets of Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a special appearance by Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best!
Three Kings Day
Head to Paradise Gardens for a uniquely Disney event honoring the Epiphany, or twelfth day of Christmas. Celebrated around the world in many ways, the holiday is known as El Día de los Reyes Magos in Central and South America as well as Mexico.
World of Color – Season of Light
See beloved moments from Disney and Pixar films illuminate a towering wall of mist. Watch hundreds of sky-high fountains dance in time to festive music as shimmering snowflakes fill the scene. Experience a mesmerizing spectacle as enchanting and magical as the holidays themselves!
Stories to Warm the Heart Weaving classic films like Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story and Fantasia with contemporary hits like Frozen and Inside Out, this wondrous celebration brings stories of friendship, family and love to life.
A Jolly, Joyous Musical Score From seasonal favorites to cherished movie tunes, the medley of music will have you singing and swaying along. And Goofy’s madcap musical light display adds hilarious hijinks sure to make spirits extra bright!
From the opening number to the breathtaking finale, this awe-inspiring show is a moving emotional tapestry. You may want to make it part of your family’s holiday traditions.
Mater’s Jingle Jamboree
Whirl through Mater’s collection of car parts in a cute lil’ tractor as he croons classic holiday tunes with some tow-riffic original lyrics.
Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl
Luigi and his extended family of roadsters are celebrating the season in style with festive dances to tunes crooned by Luigi himself! Take a seat in a classic Italian import and enjoy the ride as the cars cruise to the music.
Holiday Offerings at Disneyland
A Christmas Fantasy Parade
With prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread cookies and more, A Christmas Fantasy Parade brings the most magical time of year to Disneyland Park!
Delightful Holiday Highlights
Mickey and Minnie work with Chip ‘n’ Dale to organize an avalanche of letters to Santa.
Anna, Elsa and Olaf bid you a warm winter welcome from their fantastic Frozen realm.
Woody and Buzz give a playful wave from atop giant wooden building blocks.
The Disney Princesses dance at the Candlelight Ball.
In the grand finale, wave hello to Santa Claus himself. It’s a Christmas fantasy you’ll never forget!
“it’s a small world” Holiday
Set sail along a wondrous wintry waterway transformed with whimsical décor. Behold jubilant regional adornments all along your world tour of good cheer. Listen as the costumed chorus of children sings the classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” song and traditional holiday tunes.
The enchantment begins as you approach the iconic façade, which is adorned with thousands of shimmering lights for the season.
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has been busy decorating the Haunted Mansion for the Haunted Mansion Holiday—with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Experience thrilling sights and seasonal surprises created by the citizens of Halloween Town. Sally, Oogie Boogie and other beasties from the beloved film will be on hand to wish you “Season’s Screamings!”
“Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular
Feel your spirit soar during this splendid pyrotechnical spectacle. As the sky overhead lights up with dazzling color, more than 80,000 twinkling lights illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle with sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets.
Tonight’s Forecast: Snow! As a special wintry treat, experience a magical snowfall all around you when you head over to “it’s a small world” Holiday and portions of the Main Street, U.S.A. area!
Celebrate the holiday season in grand style at this joyous jubilee in lights!
Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
During the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Sleeping Beauty Castle is decked out in icicles, wreaths and festive décor. Each evening, gather to see the iconic edifice shimmer to life.
As snow falls and music fills the air, watch thousands of twinkling lights illuminated in stages. It’s a truly breathtaking sight!
Characters in Special Seasonal Attire
‘Tis the season to find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and some of their friends showing off their new wintry wear in Disneyland Park.
Ready to book your holiday trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? 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.
Following the structural completion milestone of the Disney Treasure in December 2023, the team in Papenburg, Germany has been focused on building out the interior spaces of the ship. This work includes preparations to bring Disney Cruise Line’s immersive Marvel-themed dining experience, Worlds of Marvel, to the Disney Treasure. In light of the progress being made, Ship’s Log readers are among the first to learn about the new “Guardians of the Galaxy” dinner show coming to Worlds of Marvel on the Disney Treasure titled, “Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix.”
The story will follow Groot as he brings guests along for an on-screen quest to throw the ultimate surprise party for his friend, Rocket. All the while, diners will eat to the beat of an “awesome mix” of hit songs and can test their knowledge of the Marvel universe with trivia for the whole family. The new show will be offered to guests during one of two distinct nights at Worlds of Marvel, where they will also experience “Avengers: Quantum Encounter,” which first premiered on the Disney Wish.
The Disney Treasure debuts later this year! If you’d like to sail on Disney’s newest ship, contact me to get your cruise booked. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Calling all Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passholders: Passholder Nights presented by Coca-Cola® are making a triumphant return this year. Mark your calendars for August 16 and 17, as these exclusive after-hours events promise to be unforgettable experiences.
Passholder Nights are special evenings dedicated to Universal Orlando’s most loyal fans — Annual Passholders. It’s a chance to enjoy the parks in a unique way, with fewer crowds and exclusive access to attractions and entertainment. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a wizarding world enthusiast, Passholder Nights offer an epic evening for everyone.
When and How to Reserve
Reservations for Passholder Nights open on July 24, starting after 11 am. To secure your spot, you’ll need to have your Pass ID number ready, as well as the ID numbers of up to 8 other Passholders if you’re making a group reservation. Remember, you must be 18 years or older to register, so make sure you have everything prepared to snag your spot for this highly anticipated event.
After a hiatus due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Passholder Nights returned in 2023 as part of the Passholder Appreciation Days. Held at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on August 26, 2023, Passholder Night was a single night event that was VERY popular, with reservations going quickly. The extension to two nights for this year doubles your chance of scoring a spot!
Don’t forget to mark July 24 on your calendar and get ready to secure your spot for Passholder Nights 2024. This is your chance to be part of an exclusive celebration that promises thrills, magic, and memories galore at Universal Orlando Resort!
Sneak Peek at the Menus Setting Sail Aboard the Disney Treasure
Set sail on a culinary adventure aboard the Disney Treasure! This newest Disney Cruise Line ship boasts a wave of delicious new dining experiences. From whimsical character themes to world-class cuisine, Disney chefs are whipping up unforgettable meals that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to be impressed – Disney never disappoints when it comes to food! Let’s dive into some of the delectable offerings coming this December.
At Plaza de Coco, guests will visit the picturesque town of Santa Cecilia from the Pixar Animation Studios film, “Coco.” During two distinct evenings of theatrical entertainment, everyone in the familia will discover a menu that draws inspiration from Miguel’s colorful world.
Abuelita Elena Shrimp Diabla with chili-chipotle sauce, cilantro, pickled red onion, and toasted birotes
Chorizo Street Croquettes with chili-lime crema, cotija cheese, and cilantro
Blistered Poblano Pepper stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and green rice
Red Capsicum and Green Parsley Grilled Snapper with fried yucca, refried beans, baby spinach, and pico de gallo
Pan-Seared Adobo Spiced Sea Bass with seared scallops, rainbow carrots, spinach, Romanesco, peas, and chimichurri sauce
Luisa’s Pollo Asado with Michoacán citrus chicken, cilantro rice, and serrano-tomatillo salsa
Enrique’s Port Wine Braised Center Cut Beef Short Rib with cheddar cheese and green onion red mash and long green beans with crisp shallots
Mexican Chocolate Tart with spiced chocolate crème, caramel pecan nuts, and chocolate glaze
Warm Coconut Tres Leches with milk-soaked coconut cake, caramel sauce, and dulce de leche ice cream
Margarita Lime Cheesecake with a sea salt shortbread and raspberry-agave margarita coulis
Scat Cat Lounge
The world’s first “The Aristocats”-inspired venue will offer an elegant onboard destination to experience swinging live music, decor nods to the Walt Disney Animation Studios film and a themed craft cocktail menu.
Jumbeaux’s Sweets
A mouthwatering display of specialty treats will await future Disney Treasure guests at Jumbeaux’s Sweets. In line with the “Zootopia” theming of the venue, the menu items will be inspired by the beloved characters from the bustling mammal metropolis that Judy Hopps calls home as featured in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
Judy Hopps Carrot Cupcake with spiced carrot cake, dollops of lemon frosting, white chocolate crème, and blueberry compote
Nick Wilde Raspberry ‘n Cream Cupcake with red velvet sponge cake, vanilla frosting, white chocolate crème, raspberry compote, and a chocolate décor topping
Paw Shortbread Sandwich with two paw-shaped red velvet shortbread cookies, vanilla frosting, and dulce de leche
Mango Leopard Cakesicle with lemon fudge cake and a mango-chocolate glaze drizzle
Carrot Chocolate-Covered Strawberries with cookie crumble soil and a white chocolate coating
Zootopia Chocolate Bark Post Cards with a distinct character-inspired decoration and flavor combination including an assortment of dry fruits, nuts, and sprinkles
We can’t wait to try all of these amazing food creations on the Disney Treasure this December! Fore more information about the Disney Treasure and itineraries, click here! Stay tuned to Chip and Co for more Disney Treasure News!
Universal Orlando has just unveiled the eighth house for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, and fans of the paranormal will be thrilled. The latest addition is none other than the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” house, a bone-chilling journey into a world where an ancient specter threatens to plunge the planet into a second Ice Age. This marks the second IP-based house announced for this year’s event, joining the spine-tingling “A Quiet Place” house.
The all-new “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” haunted houses at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort bring the latest installment of the global Ghostbusters franchise to life as well as iconic ghosts, creatures, and characters from the beloved classic series in authentic haunted houses that capture the horror and humor for which the films are known.
As guests venture through the house, they will find themselves in the sinister world of the supernatural, from Ray’s Occult Books shop to the Ghostbusters’ new high-tech lab and containment facility to the dank New York City sewer system. Fans will embark on this petrifying journey alongside the Ghostbusters, encountering iconic ghosts who slime and nefarious villains who are out for revenge – all while trying to escape an army of ghastly creatures bent on cracking bones and turning their veins into rivers of ice. As they navigate their way through freezing and frightening conditions, the Ghostbusters will need their wit and humor to defend the city they love from a terror too chilling to believe.
The “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” house joins an already exciting lineup of haunted houses announced for this year’s event in Orlando. In addition to “A Quiet Place,” the other announced houses include “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America,” “Slaughter Sinema 2,” “The Museum: Deadly Exhibits,” “Major Sweets Candy Factory,” “Goblin’s Feast,” and “Triplets of Terror.” Each house offers a unique and terrifying experience, ensuring that there is something to terrify every horror fan.
Halloween Horror Nights will take over Universal Studios Florida on select nights from August 30 to November 3, 2024. Single-night tickets, RIP Tours, and Express Passes are on sale now, and many evenings will sell out. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of one of the most thrilling and chilling events of the year!
Check out the world’s first “The Aristocats” Inspired Venue the Scat Cat Lounge
Attention cat lovers and Disney animation fans! Prepare to be whiskered away to a jazzy new world aboard the Disney Treasure this December. Introducing the Scat Cat Lounge, a brand-new lounge inspired by the beloved 1970 classic, “The Aristocats.”
For the first time ever, you can experience the magic of the film’s iconic penthouse performance of “Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat” in a real-life setting. This elegant lounge will blend the charm of an old-school jazz club with artistic nods to the beloved animated feline adventure.
Eager to uncover the secrets of this purr-fect venue? Stay tuned for nine design details that will make your visit to the Scat Cat Lounge an unforgettable experience!
A Familiar Looking Carpet: Fans of “The Aristocats” may recognize the carpet inside Scat Cat Lounge, inspired by the ornate French style rugs scattered throughout Madame Adelaide Bonfamille’s swanky Parisian home.
Caution – Wet Paint: The playful scene from the “The Aristocats” film when Toulouse mischievously left his paint-covered paw mark on the piano will be represented in Scat Cat Lounge with colorful prints decorating the piano.
Inspired by Agrabah: Centrally located off the Grand Hall, Scat Cat Lounge will take design cues from the Grand Hall’s Agrabah-inspired architecture with a complementary color palette and Middle Eastern décor that will blend seamlessly with the storied theming of the venue.
Double Delicious Craft Cocktails: Scat Cat Lounge will serve a special menu of cocktails that celebrate “The Aristocats,” including the Créme de la Créme Martini and The Cat Drink.
The Cats Go Marching: A parade of silhouetted cats, all representing characters from the film, will welcome guests to Scat Cat Lounge at the entry and lead the way into the venue.
Scat Cat’s Horn: “The Aristocats” theming will begin at the front door of the lounge with a sculpted handle that resembles Scat Cat’s signature instrument.
Hidden Characters: Hidden Mickeys may be a hallmark of any Walt Disney Imagineering design, but at Scat Cat Lounge, hidden depictions of Roquefort, the devoted mouse companion of Duchess and her kittens, will reign.
An Ode to Music: A black and white-striped statement wall will extend through the center of the venue, framing a groovy neon sign with the lyrics, “Ev’rybody Wants to be A Cat.” Reminiscent of piano keys, the wall will honor the important role that music played throughout the film.
The Cats Behind the Magic: At first glance, the funky poster that will hang outside Scat Cat Lounge may not draw too much attention. However, the instrument-playing cat collage will have a secret! Each cat depicted in the artwork will be drawn in the image of a beloved pet belonging to someone from the project team that helped design and build Scat Cat Lounge.
Are you excited to check out the Scat Cat Lounge on the Disney Treasure?
The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. You can return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024.
A delightful new addition has arrived at Walt Disney World Resort—introducing the new “Play in the Park” balloon! This charming souvenir balloon features beautiful artwork and is now available for guests to purchase.
Like most Disney Parks balloons, this one boasts a double-layered design, giving it a unique dimensional effect. The interior balloon is white, while the exterior is translucent, creating a visually striking appearance. The design showcases a blue version of Cinderella Castle, surrounded by lush trees and shrubs. In front of the castle, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy are depicted in casual park-going outfits, adding a whimsical touch to the scene.
On the other side of the balloon, Mickey and Minnie are pictured holding hands in front of the castle, with Pluto happily next to them. The phrase “Walt Disney World” is elegantly printed at the bottom of the design, making this balloon a perfect keepsake for your magical day at the park.
These enchanting balloons are typically available on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Town Center at Disney Springs, weather permitting. They make for a wonderful souvenir to remember your visit and add an extra touch of Disney magic to your day.
Head’s up for anyone heading to Magic Kingdom soon: one of the parks classic attractions, Peter Pan’s Flight, will be closing for an extended refurbishment this summer. According to the official Walt Disney World operating hours calendar, the beloved ride will be unavailable from July 8 through August 20, 2024, with a reopening date set for August 21, 2024.
This refurbishment period is longer than typical maintenance closures, suggesting that significant updates are on the horizon. Recently, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for Peter Pan’s Flight, which includes the description “Install set elements.” While Disney has not provided specific details about the changes, the permit hints at exciting enhancements awaiting guests when the ride reopens.
Excitement is in the air as Disney has unveiled the operating hours for the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Set to officially open on June 28, 2024, at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, this new attraction promises to be a magical addition to the park.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will follow the standard park operating hours, welcoming guests from 8 am to 11 pm on its opening day. These hours align with the overall Magic Kingdom schedule, ensuring that visitors have ample time to experience this enchanting new ride.
As of now, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is not included in the Extended Evening Hours or Early Entry programs. While this means that guests won’t have access to the ride outside of the regular park hours, it still provides a full day of adventure and fun.
For those unfamiliar with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, this attraction brings the beloved story of Princess Tiana from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” to life in a thrilling and immersive way. Guests will join Tiana and her friends on a musical journey through the bayou.
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early or planning your ride experience during less busy times of the day. This can help you avoid longer wait times and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Note a virtual queue will be in place during the initial opening days, with no end date of the virtual queue announced yet by Disney.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced exciting new details about its first UK theme park, which promises to be Europe’s largest and most thrilling. Located near Bedford, this groundbreaking attraction will be open 365 days a year and is set to draw millions of visitors annually. The updated details about the highly anticipated new park were recently reported by Sky News.
The site, spanning nearly 500 acres with an option to expand, will feature a world-class theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a vibrant dining area. The economic impact of the project is immense, with an estimated £50 billion in economic benefits for the UK over the construction period and the first 20 years of operation. This includes a net economic contribution of £35.1 billion and an additional £14.1 billion in taxes.
During construction, the project is expected to create 20,000 jobs, peaking at 5,000 workers on-site. Once operational, the park will generate an initial 8,000 new jobs, increasing over time. Universal has committed to paying the living wage to all employees.
However, the project is not without risks. Transport links to the site need significant improvement to handle the expected visitor numbers. Universal is seeking government incentives to enhance local road and rail infrastructure, including potential support from the proposed East West Rail project.
This ambitious investment by Universal Destinations & Experiences represents a bold step forward, promising to bring innovative and diverse experiences to the UK and Europe. While the park’s opening is still several years away, it is set to become a major attraction, offering more than just traditional theme park fun.
