Exciting changes are afoot at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Boulder Ridge! If you’re planning a visit, be prepared for some construction work as the resort undergoes a significant exterior refurbishment. This project is scheduled to continue through December 2024, and during this time, guests may see and hear construction activities during daytime hours.
During a recent visit to Boulder Ridge Villas, we observed that exterior construction has indeed begun. Scaffolding and work crews are now part of the landscape as Disney undertakes this refurbishment project, with brown scrim being erected to protect the nearby surfaces from the work.
For those planning a visit, it’s a good idea to keep this construction work in mind. You might want to request a room away from the areas most affected by the refurbishment or plan to spend more time exploring the other beautiful areas of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The resort offers stunning walking trails, delightful dining options, and serene pool areas that remain open and unaffected by the construction.
Get ready for a magical holiday season at Walt Disney World with incredible savings on your resort stays! Starting June 27, 2024, vacationers can enjoy substantial discounts and exclusive offers that make a Disney getaway even more enchanting.
For those dreaming of a festive Disney holiday, this offer is too good to pass up. You can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays on most nights from November 24 to December 25. Imagine celebrating the holidays with Disney’s dazzling decorations, special events, and unforgettable experiences, all while enjoying significant savings on your accommodations.
But the savings don’t stop there! Guests can also enjoy additional discounts for stays on most Sunday to Thursday nights between October 6 and November 21. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Disney World during the beautiful fall season, with its unique celebrations and cooler weather.
Disney is sweetening the deal for guests upgrading to a Walt Disney World package. When you book a non-discounted room and ticket package that includes a 4-day or longer date-based ticket, you’ll receive a free Park Hopper option.
This fantastic offer allows you to explore multiple Disney parks in a single day at no extra cost. From the enchantment of Magic Kingdom to the futuristic wonders of EPCOT, the wild adventures at Animal Kingdom, and the movie magic at Hollywood Studios, the Park Hopper option lets you experience more magic and make the most of your Disney vacation.
Here is a breakdown of the savings by Disney World Resort:
Length of Stay Requirements
Minimum – 1 night Maximum – 14 nights
Important Details
The number of rooms and packages allocated for these offers are limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted 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.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on ticket length. Learn more about the ticket use period.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Advance reservations required.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Suites; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; and Bungalows and Island Tower Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
In response to concerns about large crowds, Fun Spot America in Orlando has instituted a new chaperone policy just in time for the expected influx of visitors during the busy July 4 holiday week. This measure aims to enhance safety and ensure a more enjoyable experience for all guests.
The chaperone policy was first announced on Fun Spot America’s Facebook page on Tuesday, with plans to implement it starting Saturday. However, according to reporting by Click Orlando, a press release issued on Wednesday stated that the policy is effective immediately.
According to the new policy, all guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. This requirement is currently exclusive to the Fun Spot park in Orlando and will remain in place until further notice. News 6 has confirmed this policy and noted that while it is specific to Orlando for now, an expansion to other locations is under consideration.
Each chaperone can be responsible for up to two guests under 21, ensuring that adults can adequately supervise and manage their groups. The park has also made provisions for pre-registered groups and large families, allowing for some flexibility in the policy’s application.
In addition to the chaperone requirement, Fun Spot America will be closing the south parking lot and entrance. This measure is part of the overall strategy to manage crowd flow and enhance security during peak times.
Disney Springs is set to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Florida with two exclusive pairing events hosted by Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen & Southern Shine Bar. These special brunch events, part of the Flavors of Florida festival, will take place on July 8 and July 11, offering guests an exceptional dining experience that highlights the best of Florida’s local ingredients.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is renowned for its farm-to-table approach, and these pairing events will be no exception. Guests will be treated to a hearty three-course brunch, each course thoughtfully paired with spirited beverages that complement the distinct flavors of the dishes. The menu will showcase ingredients sourced directly from Florida farmers and food purveyors, bringing the authentic taste of the Sunshine State to your plate.
What makes these events even more special is the presence of Chef Art Smith’s farmer friends and food purveyors. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet the people behind the ingredients, learning about their dedication to sustainable and high-quality food production. This personal touch adds an extra layer of connection to the food and the stories behind it.
To foster a sense of community and shared experience, guests will be seated at communal tables. This arrangement encourages interaction and camaraderie, making the meal not just about the food, but also about the connections made over it. If you’re planning to attend with friends, be sure to purchase your tickets together to ensure you’re seated together.
These pairing events promise to be a delightful exploration of Florida’s culinary treasures, set in the vibrant atmosphere of Disney Springs. Don’t miss this chance to brunch like a native and savor the flavors that make Florida’s food scene so unique. Grab your tickets soon and prepare for a memorable gastronomic journey with Chef Art Smith!
As Disney celebrates Halfway to the Holidays, festive cheer is already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, celebrate the season of all that is merry and bright in a magical way with new jolly experiences, glittering sights, sounds and scrumptious sweet treats. Plus, thrill to the return of fan-favorite Disney holiday traditions. (Amy Smith, Photographer)
(Amy Smith, Photographer)
Disney World Entices Florida Residents with Up to 30% Off Resort Stays This Fall and Holiday Season
In a recent announcement, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled a special offer for Florida residents, granting them the opportunity to save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels during the fall and holiday seasons.
The offer applies to most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 6th to November 21st, 2024, as well as most nights between November 24th and December 25th, 2024. This presents a fantastic opportunity for Florida residents to experience the magic of Disney World during a festive time of year while enjoying significant savings on their accommodations.
The discounted rates are available for a variety of Disney Resort hotels, catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious stay at a deluxe resort or a more budget-friendly option at a value resort, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your needs.
Bookings for this special offer must be made by August 28th, 2024, so interested guests are encouraged to act quickly to secure their reservations and take advantage of these exceptional savings. With the holidays just around the corner, this is the perfect time to plan a magical getaway to Walt Disney World Resort and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
As Disney celebrates Halfway to the Holidays, festive cheer is already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, each resort will be decked out for the holidays, and lobbies at select locations will feature larger-than-life gingerbread displays. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
Important Details
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted price a non-Florida resident pays 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.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Suites; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; and Bungalows and Island Tower Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Disney World Holiday Savings for Annual Passholders!
As the holiday season approaches, Walt Disney World Resort is spreading cheer to its Annual Passholders with a series of magical offers designed to enhance their vacation experience.
First and foremost, Passholders can now save up to a whopping 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights between December 9th and December 25th, 2024. To take advantage of this extraordinary discount, bookings must be made by August 28th, 2024.
But that’s not all! For those looking to visit a little earlier in the season, savings of up to 35% are available for stays on most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 6th to November 21st, 2024, as well as most nights between November 24th and December 25th, 2024.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted price a non-Passholder pays 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.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Suites; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; and Bungalows and Island Tower Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Din Tai Fung, famous for their Xiao Long Bao soup dumplings, is bringing their first-ever standalone restaurant to Downtown Disney District (Anaheim, CA) on July 1st! Enjoy a sneak peek with limited service starting June 24th (reservations required).
The massive 7,500 sq. ft. Din Tai Fung will be their first custom-built restaurant, designed to celebrate their Taiwanese roots.
“Opening our first standalone location in Downtown Disney District is an exciting chapter for us. We are immensely honored and excited to bring Asian-focused dining to the Downtown Disney District,” said Aaron Yang, Vice President of Din Tai Fung USA. “We’re looking forward to serving guests from around the world as they visit during their theme park adventures and we hope to invite them along on the Din Tai Fung journey celebrating culinary excellence and authenticity.”
Art & Architecture: Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, the new restaurant’s exterior is a dramatic, contemporary take on a traditional Chinese pavilion rooftop structure. A suspended, beaded installation over the circular central bar greets guests upon entering the restaurant, with traditional style Chinese pendants softly illuminating the space. DTF’s signature immersive dumpling expo kitchen serves as a backdrop, inviting guests to witness the artistry behind the dumpling-making process firsthand.
The location features a climate-controlled patio area, with bamboo screens and landscaping contributing to guests feeling as though they were sitting in a garden. The dining rooms, one on each side of the central bar, are enhanced by exposed, curved ceiling beams that mirror the shape of the exterior roof and green tones that connect to the lawn outdoors.
Decked Out in Din Tai Fung: Once DTF officially opens in July, for a limited time, guests visiting the new restaurant will have the opportunity to join in on the celebration; the company is releasing two new, limited collections of brand apparel and accessories, available for purchase only at the Anaheim location while supplies last.
The first collection, titled DTF Essentials, is composed of streetwear-inspired apparel with unisex fits featuring an embroidered image of the original Din Tai Fung storefront in Taiwan.
The Anaheim Collection is a fun, character-driven line that features the restaurant company’s mascot Bao Bao prominently across items of clothing and various accessories.
The company will also be launching sets of three collectible enamel pins, to be released later this summer in the collection’s second drop.
“Something Din Tai Fung and Disney fans have in common is that they’re both incredibly passionate communities,” said Danielle Alcock, Director of Marketing and Communications. “We wanted to share in this moment with our guests and thought, ‘What better way to do so than with something they could take home with them?’ We’re excited by this limited release, from the collectible pins to the sweatshirt that showcases our original location, and we can’t wait to see what pieces our guests gravitate toward most!”
Culinary Excellence: Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), the dish that catapulted DTF to fame in the early 1970s, remain central to its celebrated culinary repertoire. Handcrafted, each dumpling represents the culmination of an 18-fold process, ensuring the perfect marriage of a delicate wrapper with a rich, savory filling, often referred to as achieving the “Golden Ratio.” This art form, perfected over decades, is a testament to DTF’s unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Other guest favorites include Spicy Wontons, featuring the restaurant company’s signature spicy sauce, and the hand-shaken Pear Lychee Martini, featuring Grey Goose La Poire Vodka and St-Germain.
Starting in July, guests dining at the Downtown Disney District location will experience an expanded bar menu, inclusive of an extended wine list and a few additional liquor options.
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.
First Look at the 2024 runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas Medals
Dashing through the December snow (or wherever you roam!), the 2024 runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas is back to jingle your bells! Lace up your shoes and join Disney for a series of merry 4K races – perfect for a festive jog with loved ones. It’s the most run-derful time of the year!
Whether you run through a snowy wonderland or conquer your own winter route, sprinkle some Disney holiday magic on your miles with Disney’s festive digital tools! Plus, unwrap some extra cheer under the tree with the commemorative race medals (that double as ornaments!), a cozy long-sleeve shirt, a festive CORKCICLE mug, and a delightful box of Twinings holiday tea.
runDisney Virtual 4K Medal Featuring Donald Duck & Daisy Duck
Lace up your sneakers and get ready to jingle all the way to the finish line. Donald and Daisy are here in their best holiday styles to cheer you on in this cute red ear hat ornament medal.
runDisney Virtual 4K Medal Featuring Pluto
Dashing through the snow was never more fun than when you know you’ve got this cute Pluto ornament medal as a reward.
runDisney Virtual 4K Medal Featuring Goofy
Goofy is bundled up for fun, ready to spread Christmas cheer. He always seems to have trouble getting through a sporting event, but you can bet he’ll make it to the finish line on this virtual 4k medal.
runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas Challenge Medal
After you’ve conquered your winter wonderland, the final 12ks of Christmas Challenge medal has the whole gang, with Mickey and Minnie popping in for holly jolly congratulations.
‘Yule’ want to save the date as race registration opens on July 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. ET.
Will you be participating in the 12Ks of Christmas?
Own a Fairytale: Limited Edition Crystal Cinderella Statue by Arribas Brothers Arrives at Magic Kingdom!
For the ultimate Disney fan and collector, a new treasure fit for a princess has arrived at Magic Kingdom. The Arribas Brothers, world-renowned for their exquisite crystal creations, have unveiled a stunning Cinderella statue that embodies the magic and wonder of Disney’s beloved fairy tale.
The price tag of $35,000 reflects the artistry, exclusivity, and investment value of this remarkable piece. It’s more than just a statue; it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece for any collection, and a timeless reminder of the magic of Disney.
This meticulously crafted statue features Cinderella in all her elegance, adorned in her iconic ball gown. The true magic lies in the breathtaking detail, over 33,290 hand-set Swarovski crystals bring Cinderella and her gown to life with a dazzling sparkle that evokes the wonder of a night at the castle.
Each statue is a testament to artistic dedication. The Arribas Brothers have poured 250 hours of meticulous craftsmanship into each piece, ensuring the quality and detail meet the expectations of the most discerning collector.
But ownership of this fairytale isn’t for everyone. Only 200 pieces have been created for the entire world, making this a truly exclusive treasure. Each statue is marked with its own edition number, adding to its collectability.
Is this Cinderella statue your happily ever after? Visit Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom to discover yours today. Don’t miss this chance to own a piece of Disney magic!
90 Years of Quack: Celebrate with a Limited Edition Donald Duck 90th Anniversary Keychain!
Looking for a touch of Disney magic (with a side of feathery fury) for your bag? Quack your way to the top of the fashion flock with this limited-edition Donald Duck 90th Anniversary Keychain, available now at Magic Kingdom!
This collectible keychain features our favorite hot-tempered duck in all his expressive glory. Forget elaborate scowls or dramatic outbursts, all it takes is one glance at Donald’s narrowed eyes to know a temper tantrum is brewing.
This isn’t just any keychain, it’s a conversation starter. Imagine the scene: someone reaches for your bag a little too eagerly. Donald’s narrowed gaze catches their eye, sending a silent message: “Back off, pal!” – all with a touch of Disney charm.
This molded figural keychain features Donald’s iconic head, meticulously sculpted to capture his signature expression. Made with high-quality materials, this keychain is built to withstand the bumps and bruises of everyday life, ensuring Donald stays by your side for years to come.
This keychain is more than just an accessory, it’s a collectible tribute to Donald’s 90th anniversary! Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Disney history, and add a touch of Donald’s signature feistiness to your bag.
New Black Loungefly Ear Headband Makes a Stylish Statement at Magic Kingdom!
Calling all Disney fashionistas! A chic new Loungefly ear headband has arrived at Magic Kingdom, and it’s the perfect way to add a touch of Disney magic to your outfit. Retailing for $44.99, this headband is available at The Emporium and offers a versatile design that lets you switch up your look.
The entire headband, including the ears and the bow, is crafted from sleek black pleather. But what truly sets this accessory apart is the beautiful woven pattern that adds a touch of texture and sophistication. The bow itself is a thin design with a strap around the middle, featuring a convenient metal snap closure at the back. This clever design allows you to detach the bow completely, transforming the headband from a charming Minnie Mouse look to a cool Mickey Mouse vibe, the choice is yours!
Whether you’re channeling your inner Minnie or rocking a Mickey-inspired ensemble, this Loungefly ear headband is sure to turn heads. So next time you’re visiting Magic Kingdom, be sure to stop by The Emporium and add this stylish piece to your Disney collection!
SeaWorld Orlando’s popular seasonal event, Bands, Brew & BBQ, is back for eight weekends from July 6 through August 25th! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with new food offerings, incredible headline concerts, and entertainment for the whole family.
Live Music: Enjoy electrifying live performances from award-winning artists and sizzling local acts every weekend. The air-conditioned Nautilus Theater will come alive with rock and country music.
Headliners: The impressive lineup includes Gabby Barrett, Hunter Hayes, MacKenzie Porter, Queensrÿche, P.O.D., Quiet Riot, Tracy Byrd, and more.
The fun continues with Festival Tasting Lanyard: Get the most out of your culinary journey with an 8-punch or 10-punch lanyard, with special discounts for SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members.
BBQ and Brews: Savor delicious regional BBQ styles from various park huts, alongside over 130 different craft brews, cocktails, and refreshing beverages.
New Menu Items: Try some of the all-new mouthwatering options like Kansas City Style Ribs, Texas Smoked Brisket, Memphis Dry Ribs, and more.
SeaWorld Orlando Pass: Enjoy unlimited visits, free parking, and exclusive access to SeaWorld’s newest attraction, “Penguin Trek,” with a SeaWorld Orlando Annual Pass.
Fun Card: For a lower price, get park admission through December 31st, 2024 with a 2024 Fun Card.
Special Partnerships:
Orlando Harley-Davidson: See spectacular motorcycles showcased throughout the park.
NASCAR’s Daytona International Speedway: Get up close with the NASCAR experience on July 14th.
Don’t miss out on this sizzling summer event at SeaWorld Orlando!
