Universal Orlando Resort has announced the available dates for Premier Passholders to use their complimentary Halloween Horror Nights ticket included with their annual pass. This perk allows Premier Annual Passholders to choose from a selection of nights to experience the thrill of one of the most spectacular Halloween events in the world, at no additional cost.
To enjoy the event, Passholders just need to present their valid Premier Annual Pass at any Universal Studios Florida turnstile on one of the specified nights. Passholders will want to note the after-4 PM Express Pass perk is NOT valid during Halloween Horror Nights, and a separate express pass will need to be purchased to skip the lines at the houses and open attractions.
While Universal has announced that Passholders will need to start making an advanced reservation in 2025, there is no reservation requirement for this year’s event. Passholders can also use their Premier Annual Pass to enter the Scream Early holding areas, provided they enter the park prior to 5 P.M. on the event nights.
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!
Captain Mickey to Helm the Disney Adventure, Setting Sail from Singapore in 2025
Disney Cruise Line has unveiled a sneak peek of the Disney Adventure, the company’s newest addition to its fleet. The first image released showcases the ship’s bow, featuring none other than Captain Mickey Mouse himself, ready to embark on enchanting voyages.
This vibrant artwork depicts Captain Mickey in a dynamic pose, reminiscent of his iconic appearance in the animated film “Steamboat Willie.” With a cheerful grin and a twinkle in his eye, Captain Mickey exudes the spirit of adventure and excitement that awaits passengers aboard the Disney Adventure.
Setting sail from Singapore in 2025, the Disney Adventure promises to be a magical floating resort, offering guests a unique blend of Disney storytelling, world-class entertainment, and immersive experiences.
With Captain Mickey at the helm, the ship is sure to create unforgettable memories for families and Disney fans of all ages. Stay tuned for more updates as the Disney Adventure prepares for its grand debut in Southeast Asia.
For the first time in its spooky history, Universal Orlando Resort is giving Halloween Horror Nights fans a dream—or perhaps a nightmare—opportunity. On Thursday, August 29, Universal will host its inaugural Premium Scream Night, an exclusive event that offers guests a sneak peek at the scares of Halloween Horror Nights before it officially opens. This limited-capacity event ensures shorter wait times and a more intimate horror experience, with tickets going on sale Thursday, June 6.
Premium Scream Night attendees will not only get early access but also the ultimate bragging rights as they are the first to explore the 2023 season’s chilling lineup. This year’s event features 10 haunted houses inspired by both cinematic greats and eerie original stories crafted by Universal’s own Entertainment team. Themes for six of the houses have already been announced, with 4 more expected in the coming weeks.
Additionally, guests will navigate through five scare zones teeming with menacing creatures and enjoy captivating live performances. The night promises a full slate of Halloween Horror Nights’ signature attractions but with staggered entry to each haunted house, ensuring every guest feels the full intensity of the scares.
Aside from the frights, ticket holders will indulge in all-you-care-to-enjoy food offerings, specially created by Universal’s award-winning culinary team to reflect the themes of this year’s haunts. The event also includes non-alcoholic beverages, a unique event souvenir credential and lanyard, access to select Universal Studios Florida attractions, and complimentary self-parking. Priced at $350 plus tax, with a discount available for Universal Annual and Seasonal Passholders at $325 plus tax, tickets are expected to sell fast for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Halloween Horror Nights officially begins on August 30 and will run on select nights through November 3. Prepare to immerse yourself in a night of unparalleled horror that sets the stage for the most thrilling Halloween season yet at Universal Orlando!
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!
This June, Universal Orlando Resort is set to unveil an exciting new addition to Universal CityWalk—the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center. Located in the space previously occupied by the Universal Legacy Store, this interactive experience will offer visitors a sneak peek into the much-anticipated Epic Universe theme park, slated for opening in 2025.
Within the center, guests will be able to explore a large-scale model that provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire park, showcasing the diverse array of attractions and experiences that Epic Universe will offer. Visitors will have the opportunity to fully explore Epic Universe via augmented reality on their compatible mobile devices which will bring elements of the park model to life.
In addition to exploring the upcoming attractions, guests at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center can also shop exclusive collections of Epic Universe merchandise and snag a selfie in front of backgrounds themed to each of the park’s five extraordinary worlds.
Which of the Epic Universe lands are you most excited to finally step into? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Walt Disney World Resort and the Central Florida Tourism District have reached a significant agreement that will set the course for the resort’s development over the next decade. This comprehensive development plan will be discussed during a first reading at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on June 5 at the CFTOD Administration Building 1st Floor Boardroom, followed by a second and final public hearing scheduled for June 12, 2024, at 1900 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
This landmark agreement delineates the maximum potential for new developments at Disney World through 2034, including:
Up to 53,467 hotel rooms
Over 1.2 million square feet of office space
Over 1.7 million square feet of retail and restaurant space
Five minor theme parks (e.g., water parks, sports complexes)
Five major theme parks, including the possibility of one new major theme park
These figures represent the upper limits of possible development, providing Disney with the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and guest preferences while ensuring responsible growth.
Development agreements are critical tools in managing the complexities of large-scale planning. They provide a framework that details proposed land uses, population densities, building intensities, and more. Agreements such as the one reached by the CFTOD and Disney World will often include:
Mitigation Strategies: Proposals to mitigate the impacts of development, particularly in terms of transportation.
Public Facility Scheduling: Timing for new public facilities such as water, wastewater treatment, parks, schools, and transportation infrastructure, which may be funded by the developer.
Land Reservations: Descriptions of any land reservations or dedications for public purposes.
Regulatory Approvals: An outline of any necessary approvals, waivers, variances, or special exceptions that the developer will seek.
Public discourse and transparency are important elements of these agreements, resulting in the two public readings of the agreement slated before final adoption and approval.
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 guests have been eagerly counting down the days until the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. Recently, fans were treated to a first glimpse inside this eagerly awaited attraction during the second episode of the YouTube series “We Call It Imagineering.” The series, which delves into the creative processes behind the Disney Parks’ attractions and entertainment, showcased a fascinating look at how music is integral to the Disney experience.
In this particular episode, the spotlight was on PJ Morton, the Grammy-award-winning artist from New Orleans, who has lent his musical genius to the ride. Morton is behind the attraction’s new anthem, “Special Spice.” The theme can be heard playing during the ride’s final scene, in which favorite Tiana characters including Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, and Lottie can be seen dancing along to the music.
Fans were also able to catch a glimpse at one of the new Tiana animatronics hanging out on the iconic lift hill.
Along with various scenes from the attraction, with the settings of the scenes very familiar to fans of Splash Mountain.
As if this latest on-ride view wasn’t enough, Disney also unveiled another treat via social media this morning: the construction walls around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have seemingly been removed, revealing the external facade of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. For the first time since the closure of Splash Mountain for this transformation, park visitors now have an unobstructed view of one of three Magic Kingdom ‘mountains.’
With its doors set to open on June 28, the countdown has begun for what could be another classic attraction at the Magic Kingdom. We expect to see even more photos and videos prior to the opening date thanks to cast member and Annual Passholder previews over the next few weeks.
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!
We get a First Glimpse of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as Construction Walls Come Down at Magic Kingdom
Excitement is building in the Magic Kingdom as construction walls around the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure begin to fall, revealing tantalizing glimpses of the reimagined attraction. Guests passing by are now treated to views of the lush bayou landscape, vibrant colors, and intricate details that will transport them to the heart of Princess Tiana’s world.
This marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the former Splash Mountain into a brand-new adventure inspired by Disney’s beloved film, “The Princess and the Frog.” While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the removal of the construction walls signals that the project is nearing completion, with a summer 2024 opening expected.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises to take guests on a musical journey through the bayou, encountering familiar characters and vibrant new scenes. The attraction will feature innovative audio-animatronics, captivating music, and immersive storytelling, all designed to celebrate Tiana’s entrepreneurial spirit and the rich culture of New Orleans.
Disney fans eagerly await the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, eager to experience the magic and charm of this reimagined attraction. As the construction walls continue to come down, anticipation grows for the exciting new chapter that awaits in the heart of the Magic Kingdom.
Are you excited for a First Glimpse of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with the walls down?
First Look at NEW Stage Show “The Adventure of Rhythm” at Shanghai Disneyland
Get ready to tap your toes! Shanghai Disneyland is setting the stage for a brand new, limited-time live show: “The Adventure of Rhythm,” premiering this June.
Embark on a whirlwind musical adventure at Shanghai Disneyland! The Storyhouse Stage in Adventure Isle sets sail for “The Adventure of Rhythm” this June 3rd. This limited-time show runs until October 7th, 2024, and promises a global soundscape filled with live performances, beloved Disney characters (including some rare gems!), and a unique blend of musical styles.
In “The Adventure of Rhythm,” a team of globetrotting music explorers (think Indiana Jones meets a marching band) arrive in Adventure Isle. They’re on a mission to find the legendary “Rhythm of Adventure,” sharing captivating stories and infectious rhythms from their travels along the way. Prepare to be swept away by an original musical number featuring live drummers and energetic dancers – you might even become part of the adventure!
This show isn’t just one adventure, it’s five! Each performance grooves to a different musical style, from toe-tapping regional tunes to high-energy hip hop. And the best part? Each style unlocks a unique adventure, with two possible journeys for every beat. That means every visit to the Storyhouse Stage could bring a fresh surprise, along with a new cast of beloved Disney characters (including some you might not see every day!).
Get ready to sing along to tunes from your favorite Disney films! “The Adventure of Rhythm” weaves a musical tapestry featuring beloved songs from Moana, Mulan, Pinocchio, The Aristocats, The Lion King, Aladdin, Wreck-It Ralph, and even the chart-toppers from Turning Red!
Moana Directors Not Involved With Disney’s Live-Action Remake
Dwayne Johnson charts a new course for Moana! Original directors John Musker and Ron Clements won’t be returning for the live-action remake, leaving the helm to a fresh crew.
“I hope that they do it well, but we have nothing to do with it,” Musker told the Spanish outlet El Pais.
Musker, a veteran Disney animator, is known for co-directing gems like The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and The Princess and the Frog (2009). He took aim at Disney’s trend of remaking classic animated films in live-action. This criticism comes as Disney moves forward with a live-action Hercules, following their 2019 take on Aladdin by director Guy Ritchie, and whispers of a Moana remake.
“Companies are always like, ‘How do we reduce our risk? They like this, right? We’ll just do it again and sell it to them in a different form,'” Musker said. “Or they think, ‘Well, we could make it better.'”
Disney’s live-action Moana picks up the oar from the 2016 animated hit. Dwayne Johnson returns to wield the demigod Maui’s hook, this time in live-action. He also joins forces as a producer alongside Dany Garcia (Jungle Cruise), Hiram Garcia (Black Adam), Beau Flynn (Red Notice), and Auli’i Cravalho (Moana’s voice in the original film). While Cravalho won’t be stepping back into Moana’s shoes for the live-action version, she’ll lend her talents as an executive producer alongside Scott Sheldon.
Just like the original, the live-action Moana promises a vibrant celebration of Pacific Islander culture, traditions, and community, all seen through the eyes of a determined young woman. Prepare to be swept away once again by Moana’s journey of self-discovery and her heartwarming bond with the exiled Maui!
Closer Look at the All-New High Energy Alice in Wonderland Show at Disneyland Paris
Dive into a topsy-turvy reimagining of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland at Disneyland Paris! “Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland” is a brand new, high-octane show tumbling through Walt Disney Studios Park from May 25th until September 29th, 2024.
This immersive theatrical adventure throws a wild card into the classic story, with a modern twist on the iconic croquet match between Alice and the temperamental Queen. Witness dazzling musical performances, gravity-defying aerial acrobatics, and heart-stopping BMX stunts unfold. You won’t just be a spectator – the grand finale might just depend on your cheers and energy!
Here are some exciting ways this awe-inspiring show was brought to life.
1. A Stage with Colors that “Pop”
The stage setting draws its creativity from the “pop art” movement with nods to many places Alice explores in the original world of “Alice in Wonderland.” These elements, inspired by pop and street art culture, bring a unique atmosphere with street murals, flashy colors and industrial elements to the resort’s largest stage measuring over 220 feet long, 80 feet deep and 50 feet high! Featuring 13 screens framing the center of the stage, it’s quite the immersive experience that puts you right into the action!
2. Oh Dear, New Music!
To bring the show to life, “Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland” will feature five new original songs inspired by the melodies of the 1951 animated movie. The songs reflect the characters’ dueling personalities with Alice embodying a joyful pop style to match her cheerful personality and believing in your dreams. Whereas the Queen of Hearts personifies a classic rock-inspired world of her own and self-confidence!
During the show, characters like the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the March Hare and the White Rabbit will sing along to help tell the reimagined story. Live musicians will also rally the audience to create an unforgettable musical atmosphere of catchy rhythms you can enjoy!
If you have keen ears, you may also hear some unique sounds incorporated into the music tracks such as special drum sets using heating oil tanks. These were made to sound like percussion instruments, adding to the industrial vibes and matching the modern style of the show!
3. They’re Mad…Mad Talented Performers!
The show features various types of exhilarating performances including acrobats that make use of seven trampolines on stage, including trampoline walls for aerial acrobatics. Some of the trampolines are even located at the foot of the bleachers to bring you closer to the action! While the acrobats perform, BMX riders will jump through the air and perform tricks across the stage to the sound of the music — it’s a one-of-a-kind experience!
4. This Team…No That Team
You’ll have the opportunity to influence the outcome of a show! During “Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland,” there’ll be a moment where you can cheer as loud as possible to support your favorite team, whether it’s Team Alice or Team Queen of Hearts. This unique final scene will take audience opinion by measuring their enthusiasm to decide the ending of the show and which of the two characters should be celebrated during the grand finale!
5. Curiouser and Curiouser Costumes
The Disneyland Paris costume design teams called on the talents of Disneyland Paris’ couture workshop as well as the expertise of several local workshops to help costume designers bring their visions to life. Matching the pop style of the music Alice represents in the show, she received a pop star-inspired look, and the Queen of Hearts was paired with a glamorous outfit to better match the bold nature of her classic, rock-inspired music! The team also spent time creating twenty different modern costumes designs for performers of all disciplines, such as singers, dancers and musicians, that match the style of the décor on stage.
Disney Celebrates National Mint Julep Day with a Special Recipe
May 30th is National Mint Julep Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a taste of Disney magic?
Since the opening of the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in 1966, these refreshing cocktails have been a beloved park tradition. Today, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland offer a variety of twists on this classic beverage.
To join the festivities, we’re unlocking a special recipe from the Disney Recipe Vault: a Green Tea Berry Mint Julep! Get ready to create a refreshing summer drink with a Disney twist.
GREEN TEA BERRY MINT JULEP
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Serves 1
MINT-INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP
3/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
GREEN TEA BERRY MINT JULEP
5 ounces water
1 green tea bag
1 ounce blackberry purée
1 1/2 ounces raspberry syrup
1/2 ounce reserved mint-infused simple syrup
1 ounce lime juice
Fresh berries
Mint leaves
FOR MINT-INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP:
Wash and chop mint leaves.
Bring sugar, water, and mint leaves to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Simmer for 2 minutes. Pour through fine-mesh sieve, pressing hard on leaves.
Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
FOR GREEN TEA BERRY MINT JULEP:
Bring water to a boil, then cool for 1 minute. Pour into a heat-proof container.
Add tea bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes; remove tea bag and cool tea.
Combine cooled tea in a shaker with blackberry purée, raspberry syrup, mint-infused simple syrup, and lime juice. Shake and strain over ice into a tall glass.
Garnish with fresh berries and mint.
Cook’s Note: Toss into a blender with ice for a delectable frozen julep. If you’re over the age of 21, add 1 1/4 ounces of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for an adult twist.
Here is a list of a few places to find non-alcoholic mint juleps as well as a few with alcohol for guests 21 and older at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Blue Bayou Restaurant
31 Royal Street Signature Julep (non-alcoholic)
Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
Cafe Orleans
Bourbon Julep: Bourbon, citrus, and mint
Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
Mint Julep Bar (Mobile order available)
Mango & Peach Mint Julep: Flavored with mango, topped with peach purée, and diced mango (non-alcoholic, available until August 23)
New Orleans Mint Julep: A refreshing mint drink with a hint of lime flavor (non-alcoholic)
Disney California Adventure Park
Magic Key Terrace (available to Magic Key holders only)
Mint Julep Cocktail: Old Forester bourbon, apricot liqueur, agave, lemon juice, and soda water garnished with a sprig of mint
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Napa Rose
Mint Julep: Muddled fresh mint, lime juice, and ginger ale (non-alcoholic)
Downtown Disney District
Beignets Expressed
Frozen Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio
Mint Julep: Bourbon, house-infused mint simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Turf Club Bar and Grill and Turf Club Lounge
Mint Julep: Woodford Reserve Bourbon muddled with fresh mint and agave nectar
On the Rocks Pool Bar and The Paddock Grill
Frozen Mint Julep: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon muddled with fresh mint and agave nectar
Seasonal Frozen Mint Julep: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon muddled with fresh mint and agave nectar with raspberry purée
The teen, Layla Hildreth, has always been creative. However, she made her fairytale dreams come true this year by embodying Princess Tiana for prom at Shades Valley High School.
In the heart of Disney fairytales, Tiana, a princess with a determined spirit, strives to turn her dream of a grand restaurant into a reality, silencing whispers of doubt. Hildreth drew inspiration not only from Tiana’s look but her work ethic as well.
“When it was time to make my dress, I was like I want to be her, I want to keep going. I want to put in that work to get where I want to be,” Hildreth said.
Hildreth worked for five months to put the dress together. It is made of “10 yards of satin and then a lot of tulle.” The material for the dress cost around $300 but Hildreth said it was worth every penny. Her dress was a big hit at prom and she looked amazing in the green and gold gown.
