Celebrate National Polka Dot Day With Citizen’s Disney Minnie Mouse Watch Collection!
National Polka Dot Day is here! Celebrate in style with the new Minnie Mouse Watch from Citizen featuring our favorite polka dot queen and fashionista.
And for a limited time only, when you get this new design, you will get a limited edition print created by Jeff Shelly, depicting Mickey Mouse across the 1920’s, 1950’s and 2020’s.
The new watch was designed by Jeff Shelly and features a dual tone of silver and gold with Minnie Mouse in a beautiful blush pink with gold polka dots outfit. If you look closely at the display, you will notice a bar chart showing Minnie’s positive attitude, determination and success going up, up, up!
You can get yours now here for $325! The watch is also sustainably powered by any light with Eco-Drive technology and never needs a battery, so definitely a great accessory to bring the magic with you everywhere.
SeaWorld Orlando has successfully returned a mother-daughter manatee pair, Reckless and Churro, back to their natural home in Broward County, Florida. This journey back to the wild comes after a year of incredible care at SeaWorld’s Rescue Center.
Reckless and Churro’s story began in May 2022, when they were rescued in Florida. Reckless, the mother manatee, had been severely injured by a boat, leaving her in critical condition. Her injuries were life-threatening, with a shattered shoulder and exposed deep muscle and tissue. Churro, her baby, was just 1-2 days old, still with her umbilical cord attached, when she came into SeaWorld’s care.
The SeaWorld veterinary team spent over 20 months, providing 12 lifesaving procedures and more than 17,000 hours of specialized care. They worked tirelessly to ensure that Reckless and Churro could stay together. This was essential for Churro’s growth, as baby manatees rely on their mothers for everything from food to survival skills.
Dr. Stacy DiRocco, a senior veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando, shared that Reckless’s chances of survival were initially very low. But the team’s determination and Reckless’s fighting spirit led to an inspiring recovery. Reckless underwent multiple surgeries, including an amputation, and received intensive medical care, including cold laser therapy and gastroscopy.
Both manatees were fitted with a special tracking belt before their return to the wild. This is crucial for monitoring their health, especially since manatee populations are currently facing significant challenges.
SeaWorld Orlando plays a major role in manatee rescue operations. With the largest capacity in the United States, their Rescue Center can care for up to 60 manatees at a time. They have state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled veterinary team. To date, SeaWorld has helped over 1,300 manatees, contributing significantly to manatee conservation efforts.
The successful return of Reckless and Churro to their natural habitat is a beacon of hope. It shows what can be achieved with dedication, expertise, and teamwork in wildlife conservation.
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy an 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 Orlando 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 Orlando vacation package through me!
Work is continuing on the new Disney Vacation Club Polynesian Tower ahead of the new towers planned opening later this year. Our latest update really sees the tower start to take shape, with the roof overhang on the exterior of the building is being installed!
The size of the tower is incredibly impressive as it towers over both the Polynesian Village Resort and nearby Grand Floridian Resort.
The roof overhang that is currently being installed is part of a series of wooden touches depicted on the artist rendering of the tower that ties the new building into the theme of the Disney Polynesian Village Resort.
Are you excited to check out the new Disney Vacation Club Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Leave us a comment to let us know!
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!
Tron Ares Officially Begins Filming According to Director Joachim Ronning
Fantastic news for fans of the iconic “Tron” series! Director Joachim Ronning has officially announced the commencement of filming for the highly anticipated third installment, “Tron Ares.”
Ronning took to Instagram to share the exciting development, posting a photo of a director’s chair adorned with the logo “Tr3n,” signaling the third film in this thrilling trilogy. Accompanied by the caption “WEEK 1 ON THE GRID,” the director’s post indicates that the production is now underway.
Originally slated to begin filming in August 2023, the project faced delays due to the writers’ and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Now, with shooting back on track in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the film is poised to deliver another electrifying chapter to the “Tron” saga.
While a release date is yet to be confirmed, the prospect of witnessing the next adventure on the grid is undoubtedly an exciting development for fans worldwide, with expectations building for a potential 2025 premiere.
Attention all coffee enthusiasts and Disney fans! There’s an exciting new addition to the Joffrey’s Coffee menu that’s brewing up magic and delight. Introducing the “Highway in the Sky Horchata” – a unique beverage that combines the boldness of espresso with the sweet, creamy richness of horchata, all sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon and a touch of gold.
Before you step into the enchanting world of Magic Kingdom, make sure to fuel up with this delightful concoction. Located conveniently at the Joffrey’s stand at the Ticket and Transportation Center, the “Highway in the Sky Horchata” is the perfect start to your magical day.
This new Joffrey’s Coffee treat is a perfect blend of robust espresso and traditional horchata, a beloved, sweetened milk beverage. The drink is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, adding a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the creamy horchata. To top it off, gold sprinkles are added for a touch of Disney magic.
Why You’ll Love It
Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of espresso, horchata, and cinnamon offers a refreshing twist on your regular coffee routine.
Instagram-Worthy: Its visually appealing design is perfect for social media enthusiasts looking to add a little magic to their feed.
Energizing: The robust espresso provides the caffeine kick needed to explore the wonders of Magic Kingdom.
Next time you’re at the park, make sure to stop by Joffrey’s and treat yourself to this delightful new offering. Your taste buds will thank you!
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!
SeaWorld Orlando is gearing up to celebrate the 5th Birthday of Sesame Street Land in a HUGE way with a Just For Kids Weekend! This event is shaping up to be an immersive experience for families, packed with entertainment, birthday crafts, and unforgettable moments with beloved characters.
There are a ton of exclusive Meet and Greets on deck for the celebration. Snuffy, the beloved character from Sesame Street, will be on hand to meet fans from January 27th through February 4th. Fans looking for Snuffy should head to the tent next to Cookie Drop at varying times from 11am – 6pm.
Guests can also check out the Birthday Breakfast Bash at SeaFire Grill. The bash is a delightful buffet featuring your favorite Sesame Street characters. Guests can enjoy a wide range of delicious foods, from carved ham to French toast sticks, in a fun-filled setting perfect for families. The bash will be occurring on Saturday, January 27 & Sunday, January 28, then on Saturdays only starting February 3 through April 28th with a start time 9am, The cost of the Breakfast Bash starts at $34.99 for guests aged 10+ and $20 for guests aged 3-9.
Other events on deck for the Birthday Bash include the Sesame Street Birthday Parade. Join Elmo and his friends as they bring music and merriment, creating a festive atmosphere that’s sure to enchant both young and old. Big Bird will be hosting a story time at Big Bird’s nest, allowing guests of all ages to gather around and hear some of his favorite birthday stories! Guests can also participate in a DJ Dance Party and a Scavenger Hunt!
A meet & greet with Blippi & Meekah will also be available. This event requires advanced reservations, which are currently sold out, and will be occurring on the following days/times:
January 27 & January 28
10:30 am
11:30 am
12:30 pm
3:15 pm
4:15 pm
5:15 pm
SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street Land’s 5th Birthday Celebration will afford guests with a collection of fun, discovery, and unique experiences. From the dazzling parade to the rare appearance of Snuffy and friends, this event is a dream come true for Sesame Street fans and a delightful adventure for families seeking a memorable outing!
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!
Walt Disney Birthplace Offering Self-Guided Virtual Tours
The birthplace of Walt Disney is offering self-guided virtual tours! Anyone from anywhere in the world can step inside and explore Walt’s childhood home.
Anyone interested in Disney history will want to head to waltdisneybirthplace.org and take a virtual look around Walt’s childhood home.
From the website there are several ways to move through the home. You can click on each photo individually or click on the orange icons to move to a different room. You can also click and drag each photo to look around the room.
The house is a small, pale yellow, two-story building with a green front door and green trim. The bottom floor features an entry, parlor, dining room, and kitchen. Upstairs houses the master bedroom, a tiny nursery, the room Walt shared with his brother Roy, and a room his other brothers (Herbert & Raymond) shared.
Walt’s father Elias built the home in the 1890’s in Chicago. Walt was born on the second floor of the home on December 5, 1901. He was the fourth of four boys. His sister Ruth was born in 1903. In Early 1906 the family moved to Marceline, Missouri, and the Chicago home was sold. In 1991 Chicago attempted to designate the property as a historical landmark but the owner at the time fought the designation and won. After years of neglect, however, the home has been purchased and the new owners are working to restore it to its 1901 state.
If you’d like to take a tour of the home, you can do so here.
Bookings Now Available for newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris has been recently updated and reimagined and bookings are now open! From the grand lobby to regal accommodations, guests can experience a celebration of both European culture and Disney royal stories.
The Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris is reopening on January 25, 2024. There are four different room categories: Superior, Deluxe, Castle Club, and Signature Suites. Superior rooms are elegantly decorated celebrating royal Disney stories. They are comparable to standard rooms at the US Disney resorts.
Deluxe rooms come with a deluxe experience that includes access to the Deluxe Lounge and additional services. Guests receive a personalized welcome with a private reception, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and Tea Time treats, and enjoy soft drinks served in the Deluxe Lounge all day with a beautiful view of Fantasia Gardens.
The Castle Club rooms include a room or suite, access to the Castle Club, and additional services. Guests staying in these rooms also receive a personalized welcome with a private reception. For breakfast however, these guests get to enjoy their meal with Disney princess characters. They also get to enjoy a private retreat with a stunning view of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Castle Club. The club is open all day for soft drinks. Finally, guests have direct access to Disneyland Park thanks to their own private lift.
There are five Signature Suites at the Disneyland Hotel. They are the Rapunzel Signature Suite, the Frozen Signature Suite, the Sleeping Beauty Signature Suite, the Beauty and the Beast Signature Suite, and the Cinderella Signature Suite. All suites feature magical touches from the film they are themed after.
And finally, there are two one-of-a-kind suites. The Princely Suite offers an iconic view of Disneyland Park and is inspired by the 2017 live-action film Beauty and the Beast. The Royal Suite is themed to Elsa’s ice palace and features a balcony overlooking Disneyland Park. It’s the grandest suite at the Disneyland Hotel.
Guests can experience royal activities while staying at the hotel. As soon as you step into the lobby a Royal Greeter will welcome you into a majestic library, and Story Keepers are ready to reveal hidden details of this enchanting setting. And watch out for surprise theatrical performances from La Troupe Royale Disney and sometimes even Disney Characters!
If you’d like a couple of hours for adult-only time, take advantage of the Royal Kids Club! Make the most of free day care filled with magical activities for 4 to 11 year olds included, and a treasure trove of interactive stories and creative workshops for kids of all ages with the Magic Library experience.
The hotel also offers The Crystal Pool & Health Club. With a swimming pool, sauna, high-end fitness suite and meditation and yoga space, this is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure in the Disney Parks.
There are two character dining restaurants guests can enjoy as well. Royal Banquet is an “all-you-can-eat” experience with Mickey, Minnie, and their friends. La Table de Lumière is a table service restaurant where guests can meet Disney princess characters and their princes.
Did you have a chance to stay at the Disneyland Hotel before it was reimagined?
Ready to plan your next Disney vacation? 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!
Gideon’s Bakehouse Celebrates Three Years at Disney Springs with Delectable Treats and Exclusive Gifts
As Gideon’s Bakehouse marks its third anniversary at Disney Springs, the renowned bakery is delighting guests with a special treat and exclusive offerings available for one day only.
The celebration brings back a fan-favorite dessert from 2023 – the Peanut Butter Apple Galette. This exquisite creation features a divine blend of Gideon’s outstanding Peanut Butter Sauce, Fresh Cut Apples encased in a Buttery Housemade Pastry, and topped with delectable Peanut Butter Crumbs. To enhance the experience, the bakery recommends pairing it with the refreshing PB Nitro Cold Brew, available at both Gideon’s locations in Disney Springs.
This limited-time treat is in high demand, as handmade pastries have a quick sell-out rate, with a limit of two per person.
As a special thank you to customers, Gideon’s is offering a complimentary gift in the form of a 2.25-inch 3-Year Celebration Button. Available for free with any purchase at Gideon’s in Disney Springs or as part of every merchandise order placed on gideonsbakehouse.com until midnight EST. Collectors and enthusiasts can secure this rare button, celebrating three years of Gideon’s enchanting creations. Limited to one per person or household.
Adding to the celebration, Gideon’s introduces an all-weather Poppy Sticker, featuring the beloved character Poppy. Measuring 4.5 x 3.5 inches, this sticker is a whimsical addition for fans of Gideon’s mystical world. The Poppy Sticker is available both in stores and online.
For those who want to bring the enchanting aroma of Gideon’s into their homes, the bakery presents Poppy’s Mistral Wind Candle. Hand-poured by local artisans at Wash & Wik, this candle offers a fragrant medley of Pine, Amber, Ginger, Pie Crust, and Bourbon Maple Sugar notes. Crafted with clean, simple ingredients, the candles are safe for both residents and their pets. Poppy’s Mistral Wind Candle is now available for purchase in stores and online.
Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in Gideon’s delectable creations and collect exclusive items as they celebrate three magical years at Disney Springs. Join the festivities, savor the limited-time treats, and take home a piece of Gideon’s enchantment with the commemorative button, sticker, or scented candle.
Disney Princess Bar & Bag Bundle is Coming Soon to Scentsy
Scentsy is bundling some of its most popular Disney Princess fragrances with an exclusive bag! For a limited time, purchase a Disney Princess Scentsy Bar & Bag Bundle and get a pink velour Disney Princess bag for free.
1 Dream Big, Princess – Scentsy Bar (Bring your dreams to light with bright lemon, dazzling orange and fruity bubblegum, infused with coconut milk and whipped vanilla for a little extra personality.
1 Cinderella: Happily Ever After – Scentsy Bar (Find your fairy tale — complete with storybook ending! — in a sweet, subtly romantic bouquet of gardenia, forget-me-not and frosted lemon.)
2 Disney Princess: True Love Awaits – Scentsy Bars (Enter a kingdom where enchanting ripe raspberry, sparkling mandarin and a kiss of sweet vanilla write the perfect fairy tale ending.
1 pink velour Disney Princess bag
This bundle will be available at 10 a.m. PT on Jan. 22nd, while the inventory designated for this promotion lasts.
Park Hours for Disney World Released through March 23rd
The operating hours calendar for Walt Disney World has been recently updated, now featuring theme park schedules up to late March 2024. This revision includes the availability of hours for all four Walt Disney World theme parks, extending through March 23, 2024.
February 1 9 am-9 pm February 2, 3 8:30 am-9 pm February 4 9 am-9 pm February 5-10 8:30 am-9 pm February 11-29 9 am-9 pm
March 1-23 9 am-9 pm
Epcot
February 1-29 9 am-9 pm
March 1-23 9 am-9 pm
Magic Kingdom
February 1 8 am-10 pm February 2, 3 9 am-11 pm February 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 9 am-10 pm February 9, 10 8 am-11 pm February 11-29 9 am-9p m
March 1-23 9 am-9 pm
As we eagerly look forward to the enchanting adventures that await us at Walt Disney World, the updated operating hours calendar offers a glimpse into the magical moments awaiting visitors.
With schedules extended through late March 2024, guests can plan their dream Disney experience with confidence, ensuring they make the most of every delightful attraction, captivating show, and cherished memory.
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney enthusiast or a first-time visitor, these extended hours provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonder and joy that defines the Disney experience. As the calendar unfolds, so too does the promise of unforgettable moments, making your journey through the parks an even more enchanting and magical affair.
Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot Inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame
Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot is being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame! He is the first Imagineer since Walt Disney himself to receive this honor. Lanny Smoot is the Disney Research Fellow and Imagineer behind mind-blowing special effects like making Madame Leota float inside the Haunted Mansion and Disney’s state-of-the art Star Wars lightsabers.
For over 45 years, Lanny has worked as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist and researcher, resulting in an impressive collection of over 100 patents, a milestone not often achieved by many inventors. Seventy-four of his patents were created during his 25 years at The Walt Disney Company.
“At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise and endless imagination.”
Lanny has been instrumental in crafting iconic special effects and technical achievements at Disney’s theme parks and experiences around the world. Among these special effects includes Madame Leota’s ability to float in the Séance Room at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the state-of-the-art extendable lightsaber used by Disney Live Entertainment, the Magic Playfloor interactive game experience on the Disney Cruise Line, and the immersive Fortress Explorations adventure at Tokyo DisneySea — Lanny’s groundbreaking inventions have been a source of boundless joy for guests.
When deciding which of his patents to list for his National Inventors Hall of Fame induction, Lanny chose to highlight “Where’s the Fire?” at Innoventions, previously featured at EPCOT. This interactive exhibit aimed to educate guests on fire safety and the importance of fire prevention through engaging challenges. Guests were able to “shine” a special flashlight device on the walls of a house and through the magic of Lanny’s technology, they were able to spot fire dangers and learn to prevent these from happening in the future.
“As a life-long inventor, I am excited, delighted, and humbled to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame,” Lanny shared. “To be included alongside my childhood hero, Thomas Edison, and my lifelong role model, Jim West — the inventor of the electret microphone, is both exciting and humbling. And as someone who’s had the privilege of working at The Walt Disney Company, it’s especially meaningful to know that Walt Disney himself is also an inductee.”
Lanny is the recipient of many awards and honors, including three Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) for his work on attractions like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Kim Possible: World Showcase Adventure and the Ghost Post experience. His expertise in theatrical technology also earned him the esteemed title of TEA Master in 2020.
Prior to joining Disney, Lanny completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Columbia University. He then worked at Bell Labs and later at Bell Communications Research, where he was a pioneering force in the early development of video-on-demand technology, video conferencing and specialized television systems for remote locations, among other notable patents.
Lanny’s forward-thinking inventions have not only shaped Disney’s entertainment landscape but have also empowered the broader theatrical community to create new magic, illusions, and entertainment. Currently, he is working on the HoloTile floor, the world’s first, and only, multi-person, omni-directional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor, where any number of people can have a shared virtual reality experience, walk an unlimited distance in any direction, but never collide or walk off its surface. Besides the immediate VR and gaming applications and potential theme park uses, the HoloTile floor can be an insert in a theatrical stage, allowing performers to move and dance in new ways, or stage props and structures could move around or appear to set themselves up.
Disney was able to take an inside look at the HoloTile, plus a tour of Lanny’s lab by the inductee himself!
The National Inventors Hall of Fame announced their Class of 2024 inductees at a ceremony held at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale, California campus on Wednesday. Among those in attendance were kids who participate in Camp Invention (run by National Inventors Hall of Fame) and participants of one of the local FIRST Robotics teams mentored by Disney Imagineers. Wednesday was also National Kid Inventors’ Day, and a special opportunity to continue to inspire the next generation of inventors.
Congratulations to Lanny Smoot on this remarkable achievement and to all of this year’s National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees!
