More Details Revealed for Kali River Rapids Refurbishment Beginning on January 8th

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January 3, 2024

As we reported back in December, Kali River Rapids is gearing up to be closed for its annual refurbishment. We knew at the time the ride would close on January 8th for refurbishment, and are now able to report the duration of the closure.

Kali River Rapids will close for refurbishment on January 8th and is currently slated to remain closed through mid-March. Items typically covered during a refurbishment include updating the mechanics, refreshing the scenic elements, or sometimes even adding new features.

More Details Revealed for Kali River Rapids Refurbishment Beginning on January 8th

If you’re planning to visit Animal Kingdom during these dates, don’t worry—there’s plenty more magic to be discovered! With attractions like the breathtaking Avatar Flight of Passage, the adventurous Kilimanjaro Safaris, and various shows and dining experiences, your day is sure to be packed with fun.

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!

Disney Replaces 50th Anniversary Medallion in Hollywood Studios

By

Catherine

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January 3, 2024

50th Anniversary Medallion in Disney’s Hollywood Studio Gets Replaced

Disney conceals the 50th-anniversary medallion on the Frozone statue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is a part of the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection introduced for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Although most statues had their 50th-anniversary medallions removed in late September, a few lingered. This month, the remaining 50th-anniversary medallions on Magic Kingdom statues have also been covered.

Frozone now features a fresh white and silver medallion on his frosty pedestal, featuring the Incredibles “i” logo.

A lone 50th-anniversary medallion still exists, on the base of the Joe Gardner (“Soul”) statue. It’s peculiar that this particular medallion hasn’t been removed. Unlike other holdouts, such as statues where the medallions are incorporated into their design (like Frozone’s being part of his ice), Joe’s medallion is simply on the front of his standard EARidescent base. Disney removed all similar medallions and tidied up the bases in September, making it unclear why this specific one remains. What are your thoughts on the medallions? Let us know in the comments below!

Universal Orlando Premier Passholders Will be Required to Make Reservation for Halloween Horror Nights Comp Ticket in 2025

By

Chris B

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January 3, 2024

The Premier Annual Pass at Universal Orlando Resort offers a myriad of benefits, such as included Express Pass after 4 pm each day, no blockout dates, and included valet parking. Pass members will note a change to one of the Premier Annual Pass perks in 2025: reservations will now be needed to utilize the complementary Halloween Horror Nights ticket.

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Halloween Horror Nights is a fan-favorite annual event that takes place each year at Universal Studios Florida. The park comes alive with haunted houses, scare zones, themed foods, and entertainment that is a spooky good time.

Premier Annual Passholders are offered a free ticket to the event to be used on specific nights. Currently, Passholders can just show up on any night and redeem their ticket. Starting in 2025, Passholders will need to make a reservation for the night they would like to use their ticket, and the reservations will be subject to availability. The updated requirement is listed on the 2024 Annual Passholder benefits page, noting the reservations will not be needed in 2024 but will start in 2025.

What do you think of the change? 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!

Florida Residents can Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney World Resort Hotels in Spring and Early Summer

By

Chip

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January 3, 2024

Florida Residents can Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney World Resort Hotels in Spring and Early Summer

Stay in the magic this spring and early summer! Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights from March 25th through July 7th, 2024.

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy the same legendary detail, storytelling, and service found in the theme parks—along with an array of benefits.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below.

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The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price a non-Florida resident pays for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply.

Eligibility
Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Valid Travel Dates

Most nights March 25, 2024, to July 7, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements

Minimum – 1 night
Maximum – 14 nights

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Important Details

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings are based on the non-discounted price a non-Florida resident pays for the same room.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are 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 are required.
Offer excludes the following room types: Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Pool View at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Valid admission is required to enjoy theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may also be required based on admission type.
Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Booking Information
This offer is available to book as “Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms”

Just fill out the form below and one of our agents from Destinations to Travel will assist you!

Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney World Resort Hotels for Spring & Summer 2024

By

Chip

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January 3, 2024

Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Disney World Resort Hotels for Spring & Summer 2024

Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer—or save up to 30% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024.

Other savings may be available for stays from March 25th to July 7th, 2024.

When you stay in the magic at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can enjoy the same legendary detail, storytelling and service found in the theme parks—along with an array of benefits.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below.

2024-01-03-07_38_45-Disney-Travel-Agents

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply.

Valid Travel Dates

Most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024; other savings available for stays most nights from March 25 to July 7, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements

Minimum – 1 night
Maximum – 14 nights

Important Details

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are 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 are required.
Must be consecutive-night stays.
Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom Grand Villas, Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Pool View at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Valid admission is required to enjoy the theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Booking Information:
This offer is available to book as “Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms”

Just fill out the form below and one of our agents from Destinations to Travel will assist you!

New Disney Vacation Club Lounge Coming to Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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January 3, 2024

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Exciting Addition: New Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge to Grace Walt Disney World

In a thrilling development for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, a brand-new Member Lounge is set to make its debut at Walt Disney World. The announcement, made on January 2, 2024, has sparked anticipation, and construction is slated to commence later this year.

While specific details remain under wraps, the promise of a dedicated space for members to relax and recharge during their day of fun is enough to pique the interest of Disney enthusiasts.

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Interestingly, Walt Disney World already boasts a Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge, currently situated in the former upstairs ImageWorks at the Imagination pavilion in EPCOT. However, this existing lounge has been labeled as a “temporary” offering for an extended period, subject to annual renewals with a cautionary note about its potential closure.

With the announcement of a new lounge on the horizon, speculations arise about the fate of the current one. It remains uncertain whether the new construction signals the closure of the existing lounge or if Walt Disney World will soon be home to two distinct Member Lounges.

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The move to introduce new lounges aligns with Disney’s commitment to enhancing the member experience. In 2023, Disneyland Park welcomed a Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge titled Star View Station in Tomorrowland, offering a similar haven for DVC members.

Additionally, a Disney Vacation Club Welcome Center is set to open at Disney California Adventure in 2024, further enriching the offerings available to DVC members across Disney parks. As the Disney Vacation Club continues to evolve and expand, members can look forward to even more exclusive spaces tailored to their enjoyment.

Stay tuned to Chip and Company for more details!

New Cabins at Fort Wilderness Will be the First Pet-Friendly DVC Resort at Disney World

By

Chip

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January 3, 2024

New Cabins at Fort Wilderness Will be the First Pet-Friendly DVC Resort at Disney World

Recent filings with the Orange County Comptroller by Disney Vacation Club (DVC) shed light on the upcoming reimagining of the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and introduce the Palmetto Trust Association, Inc.

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The documentation primarily focuses on standard timeshare rules and disclosures, with a significant inclusion being the “Bylaws of Palmetto Trust Association, Inc.” This 17-page document, registered by Disney Vacation Development in August 2023, opens the possibility for prospective buyers to participate in a multi-resort Trust instead of opting for deed ownership tied to a single resort.

Scheduled to reopen in 2024 as new Disney Vacation Club accommodations, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are undergoing a transformation. Originally recognized for being dog-friendly, this feature will persist, making the Cabins the first pet-friendly Disney Vacation Club resort.

Guidelines for pet dog accommodations include allowing up to two dogs per cabin with no weight limit. These dogs must be fully trained, refrain from being on resort furniture, and be accompanied, either on a leash or in a carrier, when outside the cabin. While dogs cannot enter certain areas like food and beverage locations, lounges, pools, and recreation areas, they can’t be left unattended for more than seven hours. Guests are required to coordinate room cleaning times with housekeeping when their dogs are not present, and door hangers must be displayed to indicate the presence of dogs.

To accommodate these furry guests, there is a dog fee of $30 per night for owners and $50 per night for lessees, guests, invitees, licensees, and exchangers. However, DVC emphasizes its right to evict disruptive dogs, adjust fees in the future, and warns members against relying on continued dog-friendly policies, as it is not guaranteed.

The ground lease for the Cabins, existing since their projected opening, concludes on January 31, 2075, providing a glimpse into the future of this unique Disney Vacation Club offering.

LEGO NINJAGO Weekends Coming to LEGOLAND Florida in 2024!

By

Catherine

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January 2, 2024

LEGO NINJAGO Weekends Coming to LEGOLAND Florida in 2024

Get ready to release your inner ninja during LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends, select Saturdays and Sundays, January 20 – February 19! Start an incredible year with the highly anticipated return of this guest-favorite event at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Master the elemental powers with action-packed entertainment and activities and reach ninja potential!

Embark on five thrilling weekends where visitors can harness elemental powers as LEGO® NINJAGO® Weekends transform LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! Throughout this special event, guests have the opportunity to unleash their inner ninja through dynamic activities and performances, savor new ninja-inspired treats, and engage in exclusive meet-and-greets with beloved heroes from the LEGO® NINJAGO® universe. Best of all, these exciting experiences are included with general admission and certain Annual Passes.

Are you ready to take on the challenge? Think like a ninja, move like a ninja, and train like a ninja as you’re watching interactive shows including:

Lloyd challenges a new generation of ninjas to put their skills to the test through stunts, special effects, and awesome ninja moves in Lloyd’s Elemental Challenge
Unlock LEGO® brick building fun at the collaborative Cobra Superbrick Build, and compete to build the fiercest dragon at the Ultimate Dragon Build Activity
Search for important clues to test ninja knowledge during Master Wu’s Expedition
Get ready to pose, balance, chop, and spin at the School of Spinjitzu
Become one with the rhythmic force of the dragons during The Dragon’s Drumbeat live drumming show
Take a dance break to show off ninja grooves at the Whip Around Dance Party
End the fun-filled day with LEGO® NINJAGO® heroes at the Ninjas Unite Celebration to recognize the accomplishment of completing the Path of the Ninja

Fuel an awesome day of ninja training with six new, limited-time treats! Whether you’re craving savory or sweet snacks, there is something for every honorary Ninja to love. Enjoy HI-YA-biscus Kombucha Lemonade, Bonsai Birria Ramen, Foe Fighting Apple Fries, Wings of Wisdom, Curr-ate Chop Fries, and Master Wu’s Dojo-Que Sandwich.

LEGO NINJAGO Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is just the beginning of a full year of events and new additions that will excite first-time visitors as well as loyal fans. Unlock unlimited days of training to reach ultimate Ninja potential, and never put an end to the fun with an Annual Pass to LEGOLAND Florida Resort for as little as $13/month. Learn more at LEGOLAND.com/Florida.

Entertainment Changes Coming Soon to Universal Orlando Resort

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

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Attention all Universal Orlando Resort fans, we have some news that might tug at your heartstrings. As the park continues to evolve and bring new experiences, it’s time to bid a heartfelt farewell to some beloved entertainment shows at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.

Universal Studios Florida Updates:

Sing It! A Cappella Show: It’s a sad tune to sing, but the Sing It! A Cappella Show has taken its final bow. This show brought us harmonies and melodies that touched our hearts, and its departure leaves a quiet note in the air.
Drive-In and Dance: The groovy beats and retro vibes of the Drive-In and Dance show will soon be a thing of the past. As January ends, so does this vibrant dance party. It’s hard not to feel a little blue thinking about the last dance.
Ragtime Gals from Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon: The Ragtime Gals, with their charming tunes and snazzy suits, will now only grace the stage seasonally. While we’re glad they’re not gone for good, they will surely be missed during the off season.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Dance Party: The whimsical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse Dance Party will close its doors as Universal Studios Florida as the new Dreamworks land is completed. It’s tough to say farewell to such a magical and joyful part of our visits.

Islands of Adventure Updates:

Pirates and Streetmosphere Characters at Port of Entry: The end of January marks the retirement of the spirited pirates and other fun characters at the Port of Entry. These characters have been a big part of the Islands of Adventure experience, making our journeys more lively and memorable.

As we prepare for these changes, it’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to these shows and characters that have brought smiles, laughter, and a dash of magic to our visits. The retirement of these various streetmosphere offerings diminishes the personality of the parks, and we hope Universal has other performances in store to take their place!

Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Universal vacation package through me!

Jaleo at Disney Springs To Celebrate Three Kings Day

By

Chris B

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January 2, 2024

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Jaleo at Disney Springs is all set to celebrate Three Kings Day, and you’re invited to join the festivities! From January 4 to January 6, this vibrant Spanish restaurant will be the hotspot for a slice of tradition and a sprinkle of luck.

Three Kings Day, also known as Dia de Reyes, is inspired by the tale of the Three Wise Men who visited baby Jesus. The holiday is huge in Spain, often celebrated even more than Christmas. It’s a time of joy, gifts, and of course, the iconic Roscón de Reyes cake!

Chef Jose is bringing a taste of this excitement right to Disney Springs with his famous Roscón de Reyes. Roscón de Reyes is a sweet cake, flavored with the zest of orange blossom, filled with caramelized cherries, oranges, melon, and almonds. Each cake is a work of art and a labor of love. Hidden inside each cake is a tiny “Rey” or king figurine. If you’re the lucky one to find the King in your slice, get ready for a year filled with good luck!

To participate in this traditional Spanish celebration, make a reservation to dine at Jaleo or order a whole cake for your at-home celebration.

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!

Mickey Mouse Belt And Bag Charms To Add Magic To Your Style!

By

Ana Leal

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January 2, 2024

Mickey Mouse Belt And Bag Charms To Add Magic To Your Style!

Super cute Mickey Mouse Belt And Bag Charms created by BDIProducts on Etsy for $8. You can order your favorite one here!

These charms are Mickey Mouse shaped and available in a big variety of colors! They are great to add a little pixie dust to your bags or belts, super cute.

Darth Vader Lightsaber Hilt Light Up Water Bottle Now At shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

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January 2, 2024

Darth Vader Lightsaber Hilt Light Up Water Bottle Now At shopDisney!

When you’re battling a strong thirst, you’ll be thankful to be able to reach for this Darth Vader Lightsaber Hilt Light Up Water Bottle! You can get it online at shopDisney for $39.99.

The detailed design includes a light-up translucent red spout based on the color of the Dark Lord’s Lightsaber blade. It also includes authentic Lightsaber sounds and a flip-up lid angled just like Vader’s hilt. There’s even a detachable wrist strap for hands-free convenience.

It is a very unique and fun water bottle, perfect for Star Wars fans!

Credit: shopDisney