A new food truck has rolled into Disney Springs westside: Gojuice, known for making delicious and healthy juice, smoothies, and bowls has set up shop at Disney Springs. We have your first look at the new food truck ready for you!
Have you had the opportunity to check out Gojuice yet? Leave us a comment and 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!
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, was recently conducting one of the grand opening ceremonies for Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort when his comments were crashed by a surprise guest: Duke Weaselton from Zootopia!
The appearance of Duke Weaselton was not just a fun nod to the new Zootopia land, but according to Disney is “a demonstration of the next iteration of robotic technology, which Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development (R&D) and Disney Research first displayed earlier this year at the South By Southwest (SXSW) conference.”
Disney did not disclose all of the details behind the magic that brought Duke Weaselton, but they were able to relate the appearance required not one, but two robots working together in sync since both the Duke and the kiosk were robots!
For those who need a refresher, Duke Weaselton was a supporting character in the film who makes a living selling bootleg DVD’s. Duke is the character responsible for kicking the donut store in the film, causing the donut on top to roll off and nearly crush Judy, ultimately resulting in Judy discovering the Duke was stealing ‘night howlers,’ the flower responsible for turning animals into the film into savage predators.
What are your thoughts on the new tech? 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!
Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland Officially Opens TODAY!
Shanghai Disney Resort Marks World’s First Zootopia Land Opening
In a grand ceremony at Shanghai Disneyland, the world’s inaugural Zootopia-themed land was celebrated with all the splendor befitting a destination where anyone can be anything. Inspired by the beloved film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the land signifies a leap in storytelling heights, made possible by Disney’s groundbreaking innovation.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and executives from Shanghai Disney Resort and Shanghai Shendi Group joined characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, along with special guests like Jared Bush, co-writer and co-director of the Academy Award®-winning Zootopia, in commemorating this exciting expansion.
“For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring audiences and fans through exceptional storytelling that transcends generations and geographies,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Our popular Zootopia film continues to delight fans across the globe, especially in China, and we’re excited to give guests at Shanghai Disney Resort a chance to interact with the stories and characters they love in innovative new ways when they visit this spectacular new land.”
Zootopia transports guests to a living, breathing mammalian metropolis when they set “paw” on Mane Street. Spanning years of development, cast members and Imagineers from around the globe along with artists from Walt Disney Animation, collaborated to build this dynamic city that immerses guests at every touchpoint. Guests will enjoy new experiences that seamlessly blend Disney’s signature storytelling and creativity with groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology.
One-of-a-kind experiences found only in Zootopia
The opening of Zootopia includes the debut of the all-new attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, where guests can “hop on” the all-terrain cruiser powered by a trackless ride system in an action-filled chase through Zootopia’s different districts. The attraction features the latest in Audio-Animatronics technology, reflecting a new generation of fully electric systems, to enhance the entire experience throughout, from guests entering the land, to “hopping on” a cruiser in hot pursuit.
In the windows of Zootopia Park Apartments, a lineup of animal residents will interact with each other and guests throughout the day, appearing from time to time, in this unique atmosphere show. Guests will not want to miss out on visiting Fashions by Fru Fru, a merchandise store owned by Fru Fru, Zootopia’s best-known fashionista, or enjoying delicious food and beverage offerings from the land’s casual walk-up dining options.
Jumbeaux’s Cafe, inspired by the original Jumbeaux’s Cafe in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, is where guests can find a variety of treats, including Chocolate Marshmallows and Officer Clawhauser’s favorite – The Big Donut. The tasty signature frozen paw-shaped Disney Zootopia Pawsicle from the film can be found at Zootopia Market, a cluster of four colorful shacks offering a variety of treats.
Here is a closer look at Zootopia-themed land in Shanghai Disney Resort:
Featuring an exciting new attraction, innovative entertainment and character experiences merchandise, and food and beverage offerings, guests will find even more reasons to visit Shanghai Disney Resort time and time again.
Disney Wins 22 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023
Last weekend, the 2023 Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys were held by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Disney-affiliated projects achieved remarkable success, securing 22 awards from a record setting total of 94 nominations.
Disney+’s “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” and Disney Channel’s “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” emerged as leading winners, each clinching four awards.
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,” “Baymax!,” and Marvel’s “I Am Groot” each earned two wins, contributing to Disney’s impressive overall performance at the event.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool Children’s or Young Teen Program
Tony Hale as Mr. Benedict The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+)
Outstanding Younger Performer in a Preschool Children’s or Young Teen Program
Mykal-Michelle Harris as Alice Baxter Raven’s Home (Disney Channel)
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel) Kaz Aiwaza – Color Script Artist/Background Paint Lead
Outstanding Writing for an Animated Children’s or Young Teen Program
Baymax! (Disney+) Screenplay – Cirocco Dunlap
Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel) Voice Director – Sam Riegel
Outstanding Original Song for a Children’s or Young Teen Program
“Finally Free” – High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+) Composer & Lyricists – Joshua Bassett, Tova Litvin, Doug Rockwell
Outstanding Main Title
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel) Production Designer – Sean Jimenez Art Director – Christopher Whittier Character Design Lead – Jose Lopez Supervising Director – Ben Juwono Animation Lead – Kat Kosmala Animation Director – Jen Dickinson
Outstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (Disney+) Editors – Danielle Altura, Zachary Bulman, Pamela Cabrera, Petrus Gammelgard
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures on their 2 Children's and Family Emmy® Award wins for Outstanding Editing and Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Preschool Animated Program! #Emmys. pic.twitter.com/HKUKDO1Wei
Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for an Animated Program
I Am Groot (Disney+) Supervising Sound Editor – Coya Elliott Re-Recording Mixer – Tony Villaflor Sound Designer – Kyrsten Mate Score Supervisor/Supervising Music Editor – Anele Onyekwere Music Editor – Tom Kramer Dialogue Editor and ADR Editor – James Spencer Sound Effects Editor – Malcolm Fife Foley Artists – Shelley Roden MPSE, John Roesch MPSE Foley Mixer – Scott Curtis
Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney Channel) Casting Directors – Tatiana Bull, Aaron Drown, Jennifer Trujillo
Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+) Production Designer – Cynthia Charette Art Director – Nathan Ogilvie Set Decorator – Amber Haley
Outstanding Costume Design/Styling
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Disney+) Costume Designer – Judianna Makovsky
Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Disney+) Hair Department Head – Cassie Russek Key Hairstylist – Amber Hamilton Co-Key Hairstylist – Monique Hyman Hairstylists – Kat Drazen, Stephanie Fenner, Dugg Kirkpatrick, Sean Smith, Linda Traxler, Dawn Turner Background Supervisor – Raissa Patton Makeup Department Head – Alexei Dmitriew Key Makeup Artists – Melissa Meinhart, Scott Stoddard, LuAndra Whitehurst Makeup Artists – Nicole Amos, Jane Galli, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Michelle Miller, Jon Moore, Mike Ornelaz, Beate Petruccelli, Robin Pritchard, Mark Ross, Matt Sprunger, Cale Thomas, Adam Walls, Samantha Ward Makeup Artist/Department Coordinator – Amanda Sprunger Special Effects Designers – Shane Mahan, Lindsay MacGowan
runDisney 2024 Coast to Coast Challenge Medals Revealed
The runDisney Coast to Coast Challenge is returning in 2024 for the first time since 2017! Participants who complete a half marathon distance or greater at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland next year will get some special challenge medals.
runDisney shared a look at the medals on Instagram the other day. The first medal takes the form of a silver suitcase featuring “Coast to Coast” in black lettering set against yellow and blue squares. Below, “Race Challenge” is elegantly written in white cursive on blue rectangles. The wordmarks of runDisney, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Resort, along with “2024,” are all intricately embossed.
There are two spinning medallions in the top left and bottom right corners that show the resort’s iconic castles and the Mickey Mouse runDisney logo. Silhouettes of Florida and California are in the other corners.
This medal is most likely for those who complete the track one challenge. Track One requires participants to complete the Half Marathon during the 2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, and at least one of the following:
2024 Walt Disney World Half Marathon 2024 Walt Disney World Marathon
The second medal is a bronze medallion showcasing the “Coast to Coast Race Challenge” design set against yellow and blue blocks in the center. Surrounding the challenge name, the runDisney wordmark and stars are featured in white. Two medallions display colorful castle images along with bronze depictions of the Mickey running logo.
We believe this medal is for those who complete the track two challenge. The Track Two requirement is as follows:
Complete the Half Marathon or Challenge during either the 2024 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend or the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, plus any qualifying event at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024, including:
Disney Princess Half Marathon or Disney Fairy Tale Challenge
runDisney Springtime Surprise 10-Miler or runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon or Disney Two Course Challenge
Will you be participating in any of the 2024 runDisney events?
If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, 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.
Disney Makes Changes to Dining Plans Ahead of its Return
Disney dining plans are returning to Walt Disney World next year! Before they return, you’ll want to know what changes have been made so you can be prepared.
The convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for meals and snacks is right around the corner as Disney Resort hotel guests may once again purchase vacation packages with dining plans beginning January 9. You can choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both plans are a great value for families with young children!
What’s New with Dining Plans
For all the Disney foodies out there, dining reservations are open for booking for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with a Disney dining plan for arrivals in January through early February! You can book dining up to 60 days in advance, and as a Disney Resort hotel guest, you may book dining for your entire length of stay (up to 10 days).
Pro tip: Disney recently made it easier to check availability so you can now see every available reservation for your selected location and date!
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your dining plan:
You may redeem meals and snacks at any time during your stay.
You can see how many meals and snacks you have remaining in the My Disney Experience app. And don’t forget, using mobile order service in the app makes it easy to find quick and nearby dining options using your dining plan!
Will you be purchasing a dining plan for your next Disney World vacation?
If you’d like help planning your next visit to Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
The sweatshirt is available in 12 different colors and feature Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy inside pink hearts! Super adorable for this Valentine’s Day or to match with your friends!
Mickey And Friends Play In The Park Packable Rain Jacket Available At shoDisney!
Let the rain fall down! This Mickey And Friends Play In The Park Packable Rain Jacket is perfect for those rainy days in the parks, plus is super practical. You can get it online at shopDisney for $59.99.
This half zip pullover is water resistant and features an allover print of Mickey and his friends living their best park life! It’s designed to keep you cozy with a mesh lining, self-stick fabric closures on the cuffs and drawstring hood and hem.
When the sun comes out again you can fold it up in its handy zippered pouch saving space and making it super practical to carry it everywhere you go.
These Minnie ears are great to celebrate Valentine’s Day and even match with your best friends! You can pick between different color combinations like pink and red hearts, red and pink hearts, pink and gold hearts or white and pink hearts. They are all adorable!
Disney100 Mickey And Minnie Silver Necklaces For A Magical Style!
Still looking for a cute gift this holiday season? These Disney100 Mickey And Minnie Silver Necklaces are a great option for the Disney fashionista in your life or to treat yourself to a cute little gift that will bring joy every time you wear it. They are available at Amazon for $22-$25!
The necklaces are 18 inch long and feature silver plating with a secure lobster claw closure. These two designs feature Mickey or Minnie face in a retro looking artwork, so cute!
You can also choose the full body Mickey or Minnie necklaces if you prefer more color and a more bold design.
New Disney Blendjet Collection Featuring Your Favorite Disney Princesses!
A new Disney Blendjet Collection is available now to treat yourself and make the most magical smoothies fit for royalty! And to make it even better, Blendjet is now having a holiday sale so you can get yours at a special price.
The Disney Princess collection features designs inspired in Beauty & The Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Moana, Aladdin and Frozen, they are all so pretty, is so hard to pick just one!
Blendjet also has classic Mickey and Minnie designs for those into a classic Disney style.
And for Pixar fans, Blendjet also got you cover with designs inspired in Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the Space Aliens!
Get your favorite one at the Blendjet website and take advantage of the holiday sale happening now!
Breaking news for all theme park lovers situated in the United Kingdom: Universal Destinations and Experiences, famous for its thrilling rides and amazing attractions, is planning to build a brand new theme park in the UK!
After a great deal of speculation, including tracking land purchases and the registration of UK-based web domains, TheBedford Independentwas able to confirm the upcoming construction of a Universal theme park near Bedford. A Universal Parks and Experiencs spokesperson was quoted as stating:
“We recently acquired land in Bedford [Borough] and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site.
“It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community.”
Universal Destinations & Experiences, quoted in TheBedford Independent
For those who are not familiar with Bedford, it is a market town located in Bedfordshire, England situated about 57 miles north of London. The planning for the park is still in the preliminary stages, with Universal noting the creative content for the park experiences has not yet been determined. The location in Bedford is ideal as it provides proximity to London, Oxford, and Cambridge, as well as the Harry Potter Studios near Watford.
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!
