New Mickey Mouse Vintage Watch Loungefly Collection Available Now!
Do you love vintage Mickey stuff? Then you will love this Mickey Mouse Vintage Watch Loungefly Collection! It’s inspired in the classic Mickey Mouse watch that was so popular when Mickey merchandise first was released, super cute!
This backpack features a circular shape with Mickey Mouse on the face of a “clock,” which is covered with clear PVC material, and to make it even more fun, you can even move Mickey’s hands to specify the time! On the side, it features a knob, and on the back, you’ll find the words “Tick Tock!” and a fun image of a Mickey Mouse ears clock.
A matching wallet is also available with Mickey Mouse on the front that you can move so his hands point to specified times on the watch! On the back, there’s a decorative silver buckle and strap holes. Inside, you’ll find plenty of slots for holding cards, gift cards, or other small items.
Happy New Year Glitter Loungefly Collection Available Now!
Ring in 2024 in style with this super stylish Happy New Year Glitter Loungefly Collection available now! It’s super festive and sparkly, you will for sure make the whole place shimmer.
This backpack features silver sparkles of glitter within the shiny black vegan leather material. 3D ears poke up on the sides, and a silver glitter bow appears between them. It also features a removable party hat, in black, with silver print reads “Happy New Year,” and a silver pom-pom tops off the look.
The front zipper pocket also carries a silver charm of Mickey Mouse’s ears, with a party hat on top. On the back, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse make an elegant appearance, all dressed up for the new year. Ring in all the festivities in style with this brilliant backpack!
Match your backpack with this stylish wallet with silver sparkles of glitter and a silver 3D bow. Inside, you’ll find eight slots for holding cards and one clear slot for displaying your ID. The die-cut shape of Mickey Mouse ears adds a signature touch.
This cute headband features black vegan leather ears with silver sparkles and a silver bow in the middle. It also features a black hat with a silver pom pom on the top and ”Happy New Year” text, which can be removed to use this headband as regular Minnie Ears!
Stuff your stocking with bags of coal this year from Gideon’s Bakehouse
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one on the naughty list? Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs has introduced an innovative and whimsical gift idea: the ‘Bag of Coal’. This isn’t your ordinary lump of coal, though. It’s a delightful and mischievous twist on holiday gifting, perfect for those who have been more naughty than nice this year.
These Coal Bites are as tasty as they are playful. They come in a special black velvet drawstring pouch, embellished with the iconic Gideon’s branding. The embroidered “G” on the front and the message “You’ve Been Naughty” on the back add a humorous touch to this unique gift.
Available at both Gideon’s locations, these limited-edition treats are on sale every day from now until Christmas Eve. But be quick! They’re only available in limited quantities each day. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the delicious coal! There’s a limit of two per person, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
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 visited World Market recently and spotted some very cute Disney100 Merch! But don’t worry, if you don’t have a World Market store near you, you can still get these magical products online! Take a look at what we found:
Who doesn’t love Pez right? This set includes Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy Pez dispensers in a special platinum finish. Packaged in a 100 Years of Wonder keepsake tin with vintage artwork from Disney’s vault, this quartet of Pez collectibles comes complete with classic fruit-flavored candy refills.
This limited edition Mickey and Minnie Mouse candy cases featured a platinum finish and comes with delicious fruit-flavored candy. Wrap up this boxed gift to surprise your favorite Disney fan this holiday season!
We love this limited edition candy dispensers topped with a platinum Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in her iconic red bow. Emblazoned with the official 100 Years of Wonder Disney logo, this retro CandyRific dispenser is fully working with a rotating dial that dispenses a colorful variety of fruit-flavored hard candies. They look adorable in your home!
Opening Date for the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Revealed
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, where all blooms are fantastical and magical, is returning to Walt Disney World Resort on Feb. 28, 2024!
The enchanting tapestry of colors, scents, and natural beauty is set to return as the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival makes its much-anticipated comeback. This beloved annual event promises a celebration of nature’s wonders, blending stunning floral displays with horticultural exhibits, delectable cuisine, and engaging entertainment.
Guests at EPCOT will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a garden oasis where creativity and nature unite. From meticulously crafted topiaries showcasing beloved Disney characters to vibrant flower beds that paint the landscape with a myriad of hues, the festival transforms the park into a botanical paradise.
One of the festival’s highlights is the impressive array of Disney-themed topiaries strategically placed throughout EPCOT. These living sculptures capture the essence of favorite characters, bringing them to life in a unique and captivating way. Strolling through the park becomes a whimsical journey as guests encounter these imaginative creations at every turn.
Horticulture enthusiasts and novices alike can explore a variety of gardens and exhibits that showcase innovative gardening techniques and sustainable practices. From butterfly habitats to educational displays, the festival offers a wealth of information for those eager to cultivate their green thumbs or simply appreciate the beauty of nature.
Culinary delights take center stage during the festival, with Outdoor Kitchens serving up delectable dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients. From garden-fresh salads to flavorful small bites, the diverse culinary offerings cater to a range of tastes, making it a food lover’s paradise.
Entertainment adds a lively touch to the festival, with musical performances and interactive activities enhancing the overall experience. Whether attending a gardening seminar, discovering tips from experts, or enjoying a live concert, guests will find an array of activities that complement the festival’s botanical theme.
As the 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival returns, it brings with it the promise of an immersive and delightful experience for visitors of all ages. The dates for this floral extravaganza are eagerly anticipated, ensuring that guests can mark their calendars and plan their visit to witness EPCOT’s transformation into a breathtaking garden showcase.
Construction on the final block of the Disney Treasure is now complete!
The magic of Disney has once again made waves in the world of cruise ships! Disney Cruise Line‘s much-anticipated vessel, the Disney Treasure, has just hit a major construction milestone. The final block of the ship is now complete! This big step means that the Disney Treasure is one step closer to setting sail and bringing magical adventures to families around the world.
Building a cruise ship is like putting together a giant puzzle. Each piece, or “block,” is carefully constructed and then joined together. The final block is like the last piece of this huge puzzle. With this piece in place, the ship’s structure is complete, and it looks more like the magical vessel it’s destined to become. With all of the blocks in place, work on outfitting the ship can now begin.
For those of you who may not already be aware, the Disney Treasure is the latest addition to Disney’s fleet of cruise ships. It’s not just a boat; it’s a floating kingdom of fun, packed with Disney-themed entertainment, dining experiences, and activities for all ages, including The Haunted Mansion Parlor! Activities that await you onboard the Disney Treasure include Broadway-quality shows, meet-and-greets with your favorite Disney characters, immersive dining experiences, and exhilarating water attractions.
Now that the final block is in place, there’s still a lot of work to be done. The next steps involve outfitting the ship’s interior with all the magical Disney touches. From themed cabins to dazzling dining halls, every corner of the Disney Treasure will be designed to delight and surprise. The teams working on the ship will install all the technical systems, decorate the rooms, and get everything ready for the first group of guests, who are slated to board for the maiden voyage in just over a year!
Are you excited to check out the Disney treasure? 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!
First Official Trailer for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Out Now
The trailer for “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the fourth installment in the beloved “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise featuring Eddie Murphy, has been unveiled by Netflix. Beverly Hills Cop 4 is scheduled for a summer 2024 release on the streaming platform.
The film, directed by Mark Molloy, marks Eddie Murphy’s return as the iconic Detroit cop solving crimes in Beverly Hills. Notably, it arrives approximately three decades after the release of “Beverly Hills Cop III” in 1994. Joining Murphy are returning cast members Judge Reinhold and John Ashton, reprising their roles as local cops Lt. Billy Rosewood and Sgt. John Taggart.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Kevin Bacon make their debut in the “Beverly Hills Cop” universe. Taylour Paige joins the ensemble as Foley’s estranged daughter, and the cast also includes Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, and Mark Pelligrino.
In an interview with People magazine, Eddie Murphy said, “It’s a really physical movie and I had to do some physical stuff. I like to be on the couch, I don’t like to be jumping over and shooting and running. And I had to do some jumping and shooting and running. And as a result … at the end of the movie, I had a knee brace and my back is messed up. But the movie is gonna be special.”
We can’t wait for detective Axel Foley to return to action in this fourth installment. Are you ready to rev up your 80’s synthesizer for another ride in Beverly Hills? Let us know your thoughts on the return of this beloved franchise.
Summer House on the Lake is Now Open At Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Embracing the perpetual allure of summer, Summer House on the Lake has officially opened its doors at Disney Springs® West Side in Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida. The latest culinary venture by Lettuce Entertain You, this coastal-chic establishment beckons guests into a haven where the essence of summer is celebrated year-round. Notably,
Summer House on the Lake marks Lettuce Entertain You’s fourth addition to the Summer House family, joining the ranks of esteemed locations in Chicago, IL, North Bethesda, MD, and Las Vegas, NV. The restaurant’s influence also extends to various airport locales across the country, including Orlando and Chicago.
What sets this establishment apart is not only its chic coastal aesthetics but also the introduction of the brand’s inaugural “Cookie Bar.” A delightful addition for those with a sweet tooth, the Cookie Bar promises to elevate the dining experience with a delectable array of freshly baked treats. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey that captures the essence of California, as the menu unfolds with vibrant flavors inspired by the Golden State. From fresh salads reflecting the bounties of the season to enticing small bites, Summer House on the Lake promises a gastronomic adventure that resonates with the diversity and richness of Californian cuisine.
As the newest gem in Disney Springs® West Side, Summer House on the Lake invites visitors to savor the flavors of summer and immerse themselves in an enchanting dining experience. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of perpetual summer, welcoming guests to indulge in the beauty of the season, no matter the time of year.
“We’re thrilled to infuse locally sourced ingredients and inspiration into the menu at Summer House on the Lake,” says Summer House Chef Ben Goodnick. “While the Summer House menu is rooted in the simplicity and variety of Southern California, our goal for this location is to incorporate the fresh, bold flavors of Florida’s endless summer, too, like Key West shrimp, grouper from the Gulf of Mexico, citrus and other local produce. Seasonal specials including Wagyu Beef, main course salads and Caribbean-inspired flavors are a direct reflection of the people and food we have grown to love in the Orlando area.”
To create the seasonal menu, Goodnick and Summer House’s culinary team utilize simple, sustainable and local ingredients. Highlights include starters like Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with balsamic and Parmigiano Reggiano and Ahi Tuna Tostadas with Hass avocado, Thai chili and crisp corn tortilla. Handhelds such as the Turkey Stack Sandwich and Crispy Baja Fish Tacos make the perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Lighter options include the Costa Mesa Salad, with queso fresco, corn, pico de gallo, avocado, quinoa, crispy tortilla, chipotle crema, and lime vinaigrette and Florida Corn Husk Salmon with spicy honey glaze and tomatillo salsa, while heartier fare includes the restaurant’s famous Herbed Chicken Breast Paillard with arugula salad and Calabrian chili and artisan pizzas including Shaved Mushroom and Hobbs Pepperoni.
Summer House’s extensive kid’s menu features dishes like grilled cheese, pasta with meatballs, and “breakfast for dinner,” with vegetables or fries available on the side. Anything on the menu can be made gluten-free.
The Rosé Cart is another signature part of the Summer House experience, featuring the restaurant’s own Summer House Rosé along with a rotating menu of other bottles. Summer House also offers craft cocktails, zero-proof drinks, draft and bottled beers.
Summer House on the Lake marks the debut of “The Cookie Bar,” the first for the Summer House brand. The Cookie Bar serves 15 different varieties of the restaurant’s signature oversized cookies and bars in flavors like Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, Oatmeal Scotchie, Apple Oatmeal and Vegan Snickerdoodle, along with other house-made cakes and goodies available for dine-in and to-go. Along with seasonal pastry specials, The Cookie Bar’s extensive drink menu includes select beer, Summer House Rosé, lattes, cold brew, and a range of other craft beverages and cocktails on tap, such as the Espresso Martini.
Designed in collaboration with renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, Summer House seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor dining with three bars and an airy, natural light-filled dining room centered around a lush tree reaching up to a skylight. Offering sweeping views and a relaxing breeze from Lake Buena Vista, Summer House strives to make every dining experience a memorable one, a commitment demonstrated by another focal point of the dining room – the restaurant’s trademark bright blue “YES” sign.
Reservations for Summer House on the Lake are now open and can be made on OpenTable.
The restaurant is located in the West Side neighborhood at Disney Springs®, and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Summer House is part of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. To learn more about the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and view Lettuce restaurants nationwide, click here.
We have new concept art for the DVC Cabins that are coming soon to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness were a popular moderate-tier resort option for families looking to stay at Walt Disney World. Disney recently announced the cabins would no longer be available as a moderate resort option, as they are being replaced by cabins for use by Disney Vacation Club members. We have updated concept art for the new cabins ready to share with you!
The new cabins will have a modern look and feel, with Disney Vacation Club describing the cabin’s aesthetics as follows:
“Set amid the beauty of the great outdoors, each cabin sleeps up to 6, and some can even accommodate dogs. All offer a restful retreat with charming touches and many conveniences.”
DVC
The modern and vibrant feel continues inside the cabin, with the concept art showing a full kitchen, upgraded furnishings, and a Murphy bed in the living room area.
Disney Vacation Club describes the amenities you will find in this area as:
Through the sconce-flanked front doors is a spacious living area featuring a dining nook and a fully equipped kitchen—including a refrigerator, dishwasher, convection/microwave oven and 2 countertop burners. Off the kitchen you’ll find a vanity area outside the entrance to the bathroom, which has a shower and an additional vanity inside.
A convertible seating and sleeping area is located opposite the kitchen and boasts a 65-inch TV and a comfortable sofa—the perfect spot to gather your family to watch a favorite Disney movie. At bedtime, simply fold down the queen-size Inova bed from the wall, for added sleeping space. In the separate bedroom, you’ll find a queen-size bed, twin-size bunk beds, a 55-inch TV, a closet and a nightstand.
The bedroom area of the cabin features both a queen-sized bed and a bunk bed. Fun art adorns the bedroom area, including a mural behind the bunk bed and chip and dale art above the bed. According to Disney Vacation Club,
Each morning you can draw the curtains back to reveal floor-to-ceiling windows and your own personal patio deck, where you can bask in the glories of nature while firing up the charcoal grill and dining al fresco.
DVC
The moderate resort cabins are slated to close in phases, with some cabins still available for booking by guests. The new DVC cabins are currently scheduled to open at some point in 2024.
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 have an all-new look at the new resorts opening soon at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe thanks to bioreconstruct
Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort is slated to open in 2025. The resort will feature 3 on-property resort hotels, two situated outside of the park and a third with much closer proximity to the attractions. The two exterior hotels, Stella Luna and Terra Nova are currently accepting reservations for bookings beginning in January 2025. Thanks to X user bioreconstruct, we have all-new aerial images of the hotels to share with you!
Stella Nova resort, which is situated along with its sister resort Terra Luna, sits just south of Epic Universe. The look and feel of the resort is really starting to take shape.
Aerial look at the pool side of Terra Luna resort. Opens Feb 25, 2025 South of Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/Nyw2uSqOdc
Construction on the exterior facade of Stella Nova appears to be farther along than Terra Luna, which makes sense considering the resort is slated to open a month earlier. As you can see both resorts have the same overall shape.
Photo Credit: bioreconstruct
Arial images demonstrate how close the two resorts are to each other.
The number of cars that fill the parking lots at both resorts demonstrates the number of workers required to transform the hotels from concept into reality.
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!
Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is slated for refurbishment early in 2024
If you are planning a visit to Walt Disney World in early 2024, you may need to adjust your Magic Kingdom itinerary. The popular rollercoaster Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is slated to close for refurbishment.
Disney World is a year-round vacation destination. Since the parks do not close for an ‘off-season,’ rides must be periodically taken offline for routine maintenance while the parks are open. Refurbishments are done regularly to not only provide needed repairs to the rides, but also to repair animatronics, touch up paint, and ensure the ride effects are operating in tip-top shape.
Big Thunder Mountain is reportedly slated to close for refurbishment starting on January 16, 2024, and ending on January 20, 2024. Note this closure is not currently noted on the daily park calendar, so we will need to keep an eye out to see if the refurbishment is delayed. If the ride dose close for refurbishment in January (which it generally does), keep in mind the refurbishments can take longer than originally estimated so the ride may not open back up on the 21st.
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!
4 Disney Movies Added to Library of Congress’ National Film Registry
Classic Films, Including Lady and the Tramp and Home Alone, Inducted into National Film Registry
In a celebration of cinematic history, Disney’s timeless Lady and the Tramp (1955), 20th Century’s beloved Home Alone (1990), Disney’s enchanting Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and Searchlight Pictures’ powerful 12 Years a Slave (2013) have earned their place among the distinguished 25 films added to the Library of Congress’ esteemed National Film Registry.
Since 1989, the Library of Congress has annually selected 25 films deemed “culturally, historically, or esthetically important” for inclusion in the National Film Registry. A unique aspect of this process involves online nominations from the public, and this year, Home Alone was one of the two titles that garnered “significant support,” according to the Library of Congress. The institution revealed that an impressive 6,875 titles were submitted for consideration this year.
The induction of these cinematic gems into the National Film Registry not only honors their individual contributions to film history but also underscores their enduring impact on culture and storytelling. These movies, ranging from heartwarming animated tales to gripping dramas, stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of storytelling that has captivated audiences across generations.
“Films are an integral piece of America’s cultural heritage, reflecting stories of our nation for more than 125 years. We are proud to add 25 diverse films to the National Film Registry as we preserve our history through film,” said Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress. “We’re grateful to the film community for collaborating with the Library of Congress in our goal to preserve the heritage of cinema for generations to come.”
The animated feature Lady and the Tramp tells the love story of Lady (voiced by Barbara Luddy), a cocker spaniel from a respectable home, who falls for Tramp (voiced by Larry Roberts), a mutt who lives in the railroad yards. Not only was it Disney Studios’ most mature love story to date, but the film marked a technological innovation. In addition to standard theatrical formats, Disney released the film in the wide screen CinemaScope process, in part to keep people going to the theaters following the advent of television.
In the holiday classic Home Alone, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) becomes the man of the house overnight after his family accidentally leaves him behind on Christmas vacation. The mischievous youngster must then use his creativity and wit to stave off two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Chris Columbus directs the film, from a script by John Hughes, and composer John Williams contributes a memorable score.
In Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, filmmaker Tim Burton won over an even larger (and decidedly younger) crowd with his delightful stop-motion animated story. Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), whose giant pumpkin head rests precariously on top of his rail-thin body, is the king of Halloween Town. One year he dreams of bringing a little Christmas magic to his humble hamlet. Conceived and produced by Burton (with direction by Henry Selick), the film features iconic songs by Disney Legend Danny Elfman.
Winner of the Academy Award® for Best Picture, 12 Years a Slave offers a raw, visceral look at slavery on a Louisiana plantation. Directed by Steve McQueen, it is based on the 1853 memoir by Solomon Northup, an African-American free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 years before regaining his freedom. The film also won Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay (John Ridley) and Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o).
“Slavery for me was a subject matter that hadn’t been sort of given enough recognition within the narrative of cinema history,” McQueen said upon the film’s induction into the Library. “I wanted to address it for that reason, but also because it was a subject that had so much to do with how we live now. It wasn’t just something that was dated. It was something which is living and breathing because you see the evidence of slavery today.”
These four films join 24 others from Disney’s library in the National Film Registry: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) in 1989; Fantasia (1940) in 1990; Pinocchio (1940) in 1994; Steamboat Willie (1928) in 1998; Beauty and the Beast (1991) in 2002; Toy Story (1995) in 2005; Three Little Pigs (1933) in 2007; Disneyland Dream (1956) in 2009; Bambi (1942) in 2011; Mary Poppins (1964) in 2013; The Old Mill (1937) and The Story of Menstruation (1946) in 2015; The Lion King (1994), Rushmore (1998), and Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) in 2016; Dumbo (1941) in 2017; Cinderella (1950) in 2018; Old Yeller (1957) and Sleeping Beauty (1959) in 2019; Flowers and Trees (1932), Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), and WALL-E (2008) in 2021; and The Little Mermaid (1989) and Iron Man (2008) in 2022.
Two of this year’s films will be screened at Live! at the Library: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas will screen Thursday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m. ET, and Home Alone will screen Thursday, December 28, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Free timed-entry passes are available here.
