The bucket is white and features a holiday image of Mickey and his friends. Mickey and Minnie can be seen smooching under mistletoe with the words “Happy Holidays” underneath them. Pluto is snoozing by the fireplace that has his and Mickey’s stockings hanging on it. And Goofy and Donald can be seen exchanging gifts near the Christmas tree.
Baby African elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the First Time Since 2016
For the first time since 2016 an African elephant was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President Disney’s Animals, Science, & Environment, shared the news on Instagram.
The beautiful baby elephant is backstage bonding with mom Nadirah, and she is already bringing plenty of joy to the animal care team this holiday season. And at just 218 pounds, she is absolutely adorable! African elephant births like these are carefully planned through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. This program helps ensure the responsible breeding of endangered animals in managed care.
This is Nadirah’s first calf, making this birth extra special because Nadirah herself was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2005, making her the first second-generation calf. Since this is Nadirah’s first birth, her sister Luna was there to guide and comfort her throughout the process. The calf will soon get to meet her grandma, Donna, and her other aunt, Stella, too. It’s common for adult females in the herd to assist in raising young elephants until they are considered to be independent, typically around 8 years old. Meaning, these family bonds will only grow stronger as the calf gets older.
Nadirah became pregnant through natural breeding in early 2022, and she’s received special care from our animal care team for the entirety of her nearly 22-month pregnancy. It takes a team of dedicated cast members to care for a pregnant elephant and eventually, her newborn calf.
Under the expert care of animal keepers, the veterinary team and scientists, mother and baby will undergo continued post-natal exams and spend several days bonding before they are ready to join the rest of the herd. During this bonding period, the elephant team is watching for the pair to share key moments like successful nursing and weight gain.
We’re so excited for new mom Nadirah and her newborn baby girl named Corra!
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
Universal Orlando has deployed a secret menu at select Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines
Univeral Orlando resort veterans are well versed in the Freestyle Machines strategically located throughout the theme parks. Guests can purchase a refillable mug to use throughout the day, and can even re-activate their mugs at a discount. Guests now have yet another reason to pick up a Freestyle cup-a new secret menu has been deployed at select Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines!
The following Freestyle locations have a secret menu that can be activated by clicking on the vault icon on the screen and drawing a U on the password screen with your finger:
Mel’s Drive-In™ in Hollywood in Universal Studios Florida
Louie’s Italian Restaurant™ in New York in Universal Studios Florida
Richter’s Burger Co.™ in San Francisco in Universal Studios Florida
KidZone Pizza Company™ in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in Universal Studios Florida
Men In Black Cart in World Expo in Universal Studios Florida
Lagoon Lemonade in World Expo in Universal Studios Florida
Coke Icon in Universal Citywalk Orlando
The Burger Digs in Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Pizza Predattoria™ in Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Lemon Slush in Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Moose Juice, Goose Juice in Seuss Landing™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Comic Strip Cafe in Toon Lagoon in Universal’s Islands of Adventure’Coke Icon in Universal Citywalk Orlando
The Burger Digs in Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Pizza Predattoria™ in Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Lemon Slush in Port of Entry in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Moose Juice, Goose Juice in Seuss Landing™ in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Comic Strip Cafe in Toon Lagoon in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
In addition to the secret menu drinks available at the above listed machines, the following secret menu drinks are available over the counter:
Blood Orange Boba Spritz, Cafe 4™ in Universal Islands of Adventure
Zero Sugar Chocolate Berry Blast, Louie’s Italian Restaurant in Universal Studios Florida
Krakatoa Blackberry Fizz, Whakawaiwai Eats and Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club in Universal Volcano Bay
Watermelon Spritz, The Watering Hole in Universal Islands of Adventure
These secret menu items will only be around for a limited time, so be sure to try them before they are gone!
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!
Disney’s Cancels Jollywood Nights for December 16th Due to Bad Weather
Due to inclement weather, the Disney Jollywood Nights event scheduled for December 16th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been canceled.
While events are usually held regardless of weather, the decision was made considering the current tropical storm-like conditions in Central Florida, featuring forecasted thunderstorms and heavy wind.
Per an email from Disney, Ticket holders for tonight’s event will receive automatic refunds through the original payment method within 7-10 business days. For further inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact Walt Disney World at (407) 939-5277.
Fifteenth Doctor and more are coming to Magic: The Gathering!
The Secret Lair collaboration with Doctor Who: Regeneration showcases beloved characters and memorable scenes from the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials through innovative and distinct cards. Whether you’re a devoted follower of the Doctor and their steadfast companions or intrigued by the formidable adversaries they encounter, this release promises an exciting blend of sci-fi goodness with a touch of Magic fun.
Secret Lair Series is Wizard of the Coast’s first attempt at selling single reprints directly to players. These drops are designed to draw new players into MTG and have traditionally sold well for Wizards of the Coast.
As 2023 draws to a close, Universal Orlando Resort is gearing up to welcome 2024 with a bang! This New Year’s Eve, the resort is hosting an array of festivities that promise fun and excitement for guests of all ages.
Universal Orlando is going all out with celebrations across both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Visitors can look forward to a night filled with thrilling rides, festive decorations, live music, and special appearances by beloved characters.
As midnight nears, join the countdown to welcome the new year with a spectacular confetti blast and other celebratory surprises. To top it all off, access to these festivities is included in your theme park admission! Both parks are staying open until 1 a.m., with celebrations centered around Universal Studios Florida’s Music Plaza and Universal Islands of Adventure’s Port of Entry.
In addition to New Year’s Eve activities, guests can enjoy Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration. This includes Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
The excitement and celebrations extend to Universal CityWalk, where a lively countdown to midnight will be accompanied by a shower of confetti. Wander around this electrifying entertainment complex and enjoy music from a live band and DJ. Don’t forget to check out Bigfire, one of CityWalk’s original concept restaurants, which will offer a special menu from midnight to 1:30 a.m. (Reservations recommended).
For those looking to elevate their New Year’s celebration, Universal Orlando’s hotels offer a range of festive experiences:
Universal’s Aventura Hotel: A New Year’s Eve rooftop party featuring a DJ, food, drinks, and a countdown to midnight.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Party on the Piazza with great food, drinks, a DJ, and more.
Hard Rock Hotel: ROCK-in 2024 with balloon artists, magicians, a DJ, a midnight balloon drop, and champagne toast.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Celebrate in the Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar with live jazz, a balloon artist, a stilt walker, and a photo booth.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: A festive New Year’s Eve party with live entertainment, food, and drinks in Strong Water Tavern.
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!
Disney Vacation Club will increase the price per point for several DVC properties in January 2024
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has announced a significant price increase for points at several of its properties, set to take effect on January 30, 2024. This change affects three of DVC’s actively selling properties: Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
For Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, and Disney’s Riviera Resort, the price per point will increase from the current rate of $217 to $225. Meanwhile, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will see an increase from $230 per point to $239.
This latest announcement indicates a continuing trend of increasing prices for DVC properties. These upcoming price increases will be the first time DVC raised the price per point in over a year, other than a $3 per point increase in the cost of one-time use points.
This upcoming round of price hikes comes ahead of DVC’s plan to launch two new accommodations in 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort: the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and the new Disney Vacation Club Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The sales date for points at these new locations has not been announced yet.
For those considering a DVC membership, this news may influence the timing of their purchase decision. With the price increase set for January 30, 2024, potential buyers might want to accelerate their plans to take advantage of the current lower rates.
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!
Park hours at Walt Disney World have been extended
Great news for guests visiting the Walt Disney World theme park over the next few weeks: park hours for New Years Eve, as well as early January, have been extended! This means you will get more time in the parks without having to pay anything extra!
Three of the four theme parks have had their hours extended: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom will now open at 8:00 am on Dec 31 as well as Jan 4, 5, and 6. The park will close later on these dates as well, staying open until 1:00 am on New Years Day, and closing at 11:00 pm on Jan 4, 5, and 6. Guests eligible for early park entry can enter Magic Kingdom on these dates as early as 7:30 am.
Animal Kingdom will now open at 8:00 am on Dec 31 through Jan 22, Jan 26, and Jan 27. Early park entry will begin at 7:30 am on these dates. The park will stay open until 8:00 pm on New Years Eve, and will close at 7:00 pm on Jan 1 through Jan 3.
Hollywood Studios is also getting in on the extra park hours action, staying open until midnight on New Years Eve so you can ring in the New Year amidst the glitz and glam of the golden age of Hollywood. The park will open at 8:30 am on Dec 31 through Jan 6, with early park entry beginning at 8:00 am.
Are you planning on celebrating the New Year at Walt Disney World? 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!
Chicken Guy Removes Many Sauces from Menu in Disney Springs
Chicken Guy, a tasty quick service restaurant in Disney Springs, has recently reduced its sauces! When we were there last month we got to try all 22 of the sauce options. Now, the menu only features 10 sauces.
Now when guests visit Chicken Guy, they’ll see a sign outside the restaurant showing the menu. Only 10 sauces are listed on that menu. The sauces guests can now choose from include:
Special Sauce
Donkey Sauce
Chipotle Ranch
Buffalo
Buttermilk Ranch
Honey Mustard
Garlic Parmesan
Sweet & Sour
Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ
Nashville Hot Honey
There is also a “limited time sauce” that guests will need to ask for when ordering to find out what it is. The following sauces have been removed from the menu:
Ranchero
Curry Mayo
Wasabi Honey
Cumin Lime Mojo
Bleu Cheese
Lemon Pepper
Teriyaki
Avocado Crema
Peri Peri
Habanero Hot sauce
Spicy Mayo
Sweet Sriracha BBQ
The official Chicken Guy website does say that sauces “vary by location” so you might still be able to find your favorite sauce at another Chicken Guy.
Did your favorite sauce get taken off the menu?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World, 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.
New Lunch Bento Boxes Debut at Morimoto Asia Disney Springs
Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs is now offering special weekday lunch Bento Boxes! This new way to enjoy the pan-Asian cuisine is perfect for locals and travelers alike.
Each option for the lunch Bento boxes comes with a choice of miso or hot & sour soup and steamed white or brown rice:
Orange Chicken with mixed green salad, crispy chicken dumpling (2) and kanikama sushi roll (2) for $27
Kung Pao Cauliflower with mixed green salad, crispy vegetable dumpling (2) and vegetable sushi roll (2) for $24
Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with mixed green salad, crispy chicken dumpling (2) and kanikama sushi roll (2) for $29
These boxes are served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.
Are these new boxes something you’d like to try?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World, 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.
Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World Turns 50
Guest-favorite ride Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World has turned 50! Yesterday was the iconic attraction’s 50th anniversary and to celebrate, Disney shared some pictures from when the ride was being constructed.
As many of you know, Pirates of the Caribbean debuted at Florida’s Magic Kingdom Park in 1973 and was one of the park’s first major additions after its 1971 opening. Look closely at the first rare photo from Disney’s archives and you’ll see what future Disney World adventurers saw – the chance to sail the high seas with pirates “Opening Christmas 1973.”
Behind the walls in the image above, history was in the making at the spot where riders would board a weathered barge for a treacherous voyage to the 17th century when rowdy rogues and rapscallions ransacked Caribbean seaport towns.
Once the attraction opened, Disney World guests would find themselves sailing past Dead Man’s Cove, navigating cannon fire between a Caribbean fort, singing along with pirates to their anthem, “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” and enjoying other unforgettable pirate experiences.
The first Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opened at Disneyland park in 1967. It was one of the last attractions Walt personally oversaw the creation of back in the 1960s. It remains one of the most immersive attractions ever created for a theme park!
Of course, we’re just touching on some of the attraction’s history today but if you’re as big a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean as we are, then you’ll want to check out the Pirates of the Caribbean episode of the Original series “Behind the Attraction,” now streaming on Disney+.
The Disney+ episode explores how Walt loved adventure stories, especially those that featured swashbuckling pirates. It features interesting stories like a look at how the attraction was initially conceived as a wax museum but technological advances convinced Walt that a more sophisticated attraction could be created using state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics figures.
Also, there’s more to come at Disney World with a first-of-its-kind experience that’ll extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. At Destination D23, Disney shared the exciting update that a special Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.
Where does Pirates of the Caribbean rank on your list of favorite Disney rides?
Ready to head to Disney World to experience Pirates of the Caribbean? Contact me to start planning your trip! 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 Cast Members Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Pop Century Resort
Walt Disney World Cast Members recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Pop Century Resort! This iconic value resort opened on December 14, 2003. Pop Century salutes the fashions, catchphrases, toys and more from the 1950s to the 1990s.
When Pop Century first opened its doors, cast members welcomed guests with totally rad dance moves – and 20 of those very cast members still work there today!
These 20 cast members spent the past two decades celebrating, well, the decades! Every day, they create special moments with guests while sharing their love for the resort, the history it commemorates and, seriously, did we mention the dance moves?
“I have lots of energy and passion for Disney’s Pop Century Resort,” Claudia, a cast member in Guest Services, said. “I love being part of guests’ vacations … the past 20 years working here has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
To recognize their 20 years at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the 20 cast members spent time together swapping stories and reflecting on their careers. “Pop Century helped me grow as a person and a cast member,” Terri, a Concierge cast member, said. “I learn from my fellow cast members every day; they are a second family to me.”
At Disney, cast members can grow tremendously by trying new things or taking their talents to another job type without ever leaving the company. One cast member, Roselie, really took this idea to heart. “On the opening day of Pop Century, I was trained in three different roles – merchandise, the arcade, and food and beverage, and now I am in food and beverage full time,” she said. “My leaders helped me reach my goals and build my skills so I could learn a variety of different roles and grow my career at Disney.”
Cast members are the heart of Walt Disney World and thrive on making magic for guests every day. These opening-day cast members say they get to have so much fun with guests at Pop Century.
“Have you seen our resort?” Bob, a Front Desk cast member, said proudly. “Look at the atmosphere, all of the fun theming and special Disney character touches everywhere. Oh, and the Disney Skyliner is here, my favorite! There’s a reason why families keep coming back to stay with us.”
Guests born in any decade can make the most of their Disney vacation at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a great value hotel right in the middle of the magic. The resort also features iconic themed art and a themed pool, complimentary transportation like the super convenient Disney Skyliner, surprise appearances from favorite Disney characters and more!
20 unforgettable cast members for 20 years of Pop Century – that’s pretty cool if you ask us! Thank you to all cast at Disney’s Pop Century Resort for their legendary service and passion for creating unforgettable memories for guests.
Ready to book your next stay at Disney’s Pop Century 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.
