Celebrate National Sangria Day (Dec. 20) at Jaleo in Disney Springs

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December 13, 2023

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National Sangria Day is on December 20th, and Jaleo in Disney Springs is the perfect place to celebrate!

National Sangria Day, which is observed on December 20th, is just around the corner! The day is dedicated to enjoying the delightful blend of fresh fruit and wine. Guests can commemorate the occasion by heading over to Jaleo Disney Springs, which has several ways for you to celebrate the day!

Sangria Hour at Jaleo Disney Springs

Jaleo Disney Springs, a gem led by celebrated chef José Andrés, invites guests to indulge in its Sangria Hour, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bar. During Sangria Hour, you can enjoy popular Spanish delicacies like Patatas Bravas and Croquetas de Pollo. Don’t miss the highlight – a fruity and spiced Frozen Sangria, a perfect companion to these savory tapas.

Special Deals at Pepe by José Andrés

Until December 30th, Pepe by José Andrés is offering half-price on both frozen and regular sangrias with any Spanish-style sandwich purchase. This quick-dining spot is famous for its Spanish food truck fare, offering a variety of bocatas, bikinis, salads, soups, and mouth-watering desserts.

Make Sangria at Home with José Andrés’ Recipe

Prefer to celebrate at home? Try your hand at making Jaleo’s classic Sangria de Lujo Tinto. This bold, fruity red wine sangria is a blend of spiced wine, gin, brandy, and citrus. The recipe is simple yet luxurious, perfect for dinner parties or relaxing days at home. At Jaleo Disney Springs, you can even watch this sangria being prepared tableside!

Jaleo Disney Springs is the ultimate spot to honor National Sangria Day. Whether you’re sipping sangria at the restaurant or making it at home, this day is a toast to the joy of Spanish cuisine and the vibrant culture that surrounds it.

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 Grants Make a Wish for Future Coaster Engineer

By

Sara

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December 12, 2023

Disney Grants Make a Wish for Future Coaster Engineer

A future coaster engineer recently had his Make a Wish grated at the Disneyland Resort! 11-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Ross is an aspiring Disney Imagineer from New York.

While undergoing treatment for leukemia, Ross learned about Disney’s world-famous coasters by watching the Disney+ series, “Behind the Attraction.” He wished to meet the Disney Imagineers, learn how they design Disney coasters, and experience them at Disneyland Resort during his very first trip to a Disney park.

Walt Disney Imagineers Making Wishes Come True

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative engine that imagines, designs and brings to life Disney Experiences. They’re responsible for creating Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships and more. They take awesome characters and stories that guests love and make them tangible all around the world.

One of the best parts of working at Imagineering is the people – they represent more than 100 different disciplines with more than 500 U.S. patents from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development combined.

To grant Ross’ wish, Disney took him on the journey of how attractions are created: from the blue-sky design phase all the way to testing out the coaster.

Behind the Scenes at Disney

First, Ross started at Imagineering’s Headquarters in Glendale, California for a behind-the-scenes tour. Tours of Walt Disney Imagineering are rare. A creative force, a historical treasure, a dream factory and a hub of science and technology, Walt Disney Imagineering is a place of legend. It’s the only think tank created by Walt Disney himself.

Ross was invited to step in and meet the people who make the magic and take a peek at how they make dreams come true, including Ride Engineering Studio Executive Mark Mesko and Principal Production Designer Ric Turner. Mark and Ric showed Ross how Disney’s creative, engineering and technical teams work together to create an incredible story through the coasters.

Then, it was time to see it all come to life at Disneyland Resort. Ross joined the Walt Disney Imagineering Anaheim team, including Creative Development Executive Steve Roach, to see how attraction concepts are constructed into the real thing.

Finally – it was the moment Ross was waiting for – his first ride aboard the Incredicoaster. Ross’ reaction was absolutely INCREDIBLE!

When asked to sum up this wish in one word, Ross said “Surreal.”

For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to deliver joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families around the world. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney has helped fulfill more than 150,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish, and Disney is thrilled to help make wishes like Ross’ come true for kids passionate about Walt Disney Imagineering.

Congratulations to Ross and to all the Imagineers for building the perfect wish for Ross!

Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closing for Refurbishment in January 2024

By

Sara

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December 12, 2023

Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closing for Refurbishment in January 2024

Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing in January for a refurbishment. The ride typically closes this time of year for its annual refurb.

Kali River Rapids will be closed starting January 8, 2024. There is no set reopening date but the Disney World calendar shows the ride being closed through at least February 10. That’s as far out as the calendar goes.

Last year the ride was closed for almost 2 months and the year before it was closed for just over 2 months.

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Asia section, Kali River Rapids offers an exhilarating whitewater experience, ensuring guests a drenching adventure. The ride features vibrant vegetation, a swift journey through rapids, and a thrilling 20-foot drop.

Want to experience Kali River Rapids before it closes? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.

Disney CEO Bob Iger Shares Holiday Greeting

By

Sara

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December 12, 2023

Disney CEO Bob Iger Shares Holiday Greeting

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, has shared a holiday greeting with D23 members. Members have been receiving an email with the holiday message.

“Dear Chip,

We at Disney have so much to be grateful for this year, especially dedicated fans like you. As D23 Members, we know how deeply you care about what we create, and we’re so fortunate to have you with us on this journey. Your passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and you inspire us to continue raising the bar every day.

This year we were thrilled to have you join us in celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary. As this momentous year in our company’s history draws to a close, I can say with confidence that we have so much more to look forward to as we build on a century of creative excellence and continue to entertain, delight, and inspire fans like you.

On behalf of all of us at The Walt Disney Company, I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Bob Iger”

Did you receive this holiday email?

If you’d like to plan your next Disney trip, contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.

Winnie The Pooh Mini Rolling Pin To Bake The Sweetest Cookies!

By

Ana Leal

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December 12, 2023

Winnie The Pooh Mini Rolling Pin To Bake The Sweetest Cookies!

Adorable Winnie The Pooh Mini Rolling Pin created by FunnyRollingPin on Etsy for $21.33. You can order yours here!

Baking will be extra fun and sweet when using this Winnie the Pooh rolling pin made of beech wood measuring 9” in length along with handles and 1.6” in diameter.

Each rolling pin is made with high accuracy using a laser and is protected by linseed oil to retain its fabulous look for a long time. They are safe in contact with food, of course.

Peach Punch Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey Now At shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

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December 12, 2023

Peach Punch Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey Now At shopDisney!

A new Peach Punch Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey just arrived to shopDisney for $79.99! This is a great option to start adding the color peach to your wardrobe, the Pantone color of 2024, plus who doesn’t love a comfy spirit jersey?

This one features a peach color with “pixie dust” all around! The front has a little retro Mickey Mouse Disney World logo and the back features the Walt Disney World logo with Cinderella Castle and fireworks in the middle, so cute!

Pink Velvet Hidden Mickey Bow For An Enchanting Hairstyle!

By

Ana Leal

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December 12, 2023

Pink Velvet Hidden Mickey Bow For An Enchanting Hairstyle!

We are obsessed with this Pink Velvet Hidden Mickey Bow created by WishUponMagic on Etsy for $27.99! You can get yours here.

The bow is available in blush pink and black and features pearl details and hidden Mickeys! This is the perfect accessory for a girly hairstyle with a touch of Disney magic.

New Disney100 Decades Jessie Ear Headband Spotted At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

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December 12, 2023

New Disney100 Decades Jessie Ear Headband Spotted At Epcot!

We found the Disney100 Decades Jessie Ear Headband at Epcot! This is part of the Disney100 Decades 2010’s Collection and inspired in Jessie from Toy Story 3.

You can also get it online at shopDisney for $44.99!

The headband features embroidered yoke filigree on the front of the ears and cowhide print fabric on the back of the ears and headband. It also has a rope like bow with an antiqued metal buckle charm and the Disney100 Decades logo platinum plaque on the side.

You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post!

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A post shared by Chip and Company (@chipandco)

London Eye Lights Up For Doctor Who Christmas Special Streaming on Disney+ on December 25th

By

Chip

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December 12, 2023

Doctor Who Christmas Special

Disney+ Unwraps Teaser for “Doctor Who” Christmas Special: “The Church on Ruby Road”

The holiday season is about to get a whole lot more thrilling as Disney+ unveils a sneak peek into the highly-anticipated “Doctor Who” Christmas Special, titled “The Church on Ruby Road.” Fans can mark their calendars for the festive treat, set to premiere on Disney+ on December 25th at 9:55 a.m. PT / 12:55 p.m. ET.

In this yuletide adventure, Ncuti Gatwa steps into the iconic role of The Fifteenth Doctor, joined by Millie Gibson as his spirited new companion, Ruby Sunday. The ensemble cast features familiar faces, including Davina McCall as herself, Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday, Angela Wynter as Cherry Sunday, and Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood.

The storyline takes us back to a snowy Christmas Eve long ago when a baby was abandoned. Fast forward to the present day, where Ruby Sunday crosses paths with the Doctor, unraveling a tale involving stolen babies, mischievous goblins, and the potential revelation of her mysterious birth.

To add to the excitement, Gatwa and Gibson recently illuminated the London Eye in vibrant colors inspired by the iconic “Doctor Who” Time Vortex, creating a visual spectacle to celebrate the upcoming premiere.

As a special treat for fans, a blue carpet world premiere screening of the Christmas Special was held at the British Film Institute, Southbank, featuring a Q&A session with Gatwa, Gibson, and showrunner Russell T Davies.

Doctor Who - Christmas Screening — Picture Shows: Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson at the the London Eye

“Doctor Who,” produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for BBC and Disney Branded Television, boasts a stellar lineup of executive producers, including Russell T Davies (writer and showrunner), Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, Joel Collins, and Phil Collinson.

For those eager to dive into more “Doctor Who” adventures, the 60th Anniversary Specials, namely “The Star Beast,” “Wild Blue Yonder,” and “The Giggle,” are already streaming on Disney+. Meanwhile, new episodes of “Doctor Who” will continue to captivate audiences worldwide on Disney+ (outside of the UK and Ireland).

Prepare for a time-traveling holiday escapade that promises thrills, mysteries, and the magic of “Doctor Who” on Disney+ this Christmas.

Lineup Announced for Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’Eve 2024 with Ryan Seacrest

By

Catherine

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December 12, 2023

Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’Eve 2024 Lineup Announced

ABC and Dick Clark Productions have revealed the star-studded lineup for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024,” the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Renowned Emmy® Award-winning television personality Jeannie Mai will host the Hollywood festivities, featuring an impressive array of chart-topping artists including Aqua, Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones, and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

The Danish dance-pop ensemble Aqua is gearing up for a spectacular performance, featuring their iconic hits “Barbie Girl” and “Doctor Jones” from the triple-platinum 1997 album “Aquarium.” Recognized as the Rising Star at this year’s Billboard Women in Music, the multi-award-nominated rapper/singer Doechii, boasting an impressive 6.5 billion global streams, is set to grace the stage. She will deliver a captivating performance featuring her hits “What It Is” and “Persuasive.”

Celebrating a decade since her first No. 1 hit single “Burn,” the multi-award-winning pop singer Ellie Goulding will commemorate the milestone with a three-song performance. The set will feature her GRAMMY-nominated single “Miracle” and “Midnight Dreams” from her latest album, “Higher Than Heaven.”

Green Day, one of the biggest bands of all time, will electrify the stage as they ring in the New Year with three career-spanning sets. The six-time Billboard Music Awards and five-time GRAMMY winners will deliver energetic renditions of “Basket Case” and “Welcome to Paradise” from their breakout album “Dookie,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.

In its 52nd year, the broadcast commemorates the pinnacle of the year’s musical achievements with over five and a half hours of vibrant performances, beloved American personalities, and a glimpse into New Year’s celebrations across the globe. Tune in to catch the excitement on Sunday, December 31, as “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024” goes live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. EST.

The Boy And The Heron Becomes First Animated Film To Top The U.S. Box Office Since The Princess And The Frog

By

Marc Valentine

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December 12, 2023

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The Boy And The Heron Becomes First Animated Film To Top The U.S. Box Office Since The Princess And The Frog

Studio Ghibli’s film, “The Boy and the Heron,” hit over 2,200 U.S. theaters from GKIDS and achieved an impressive debut, grossing $12.97 million, inclusive of Thursday previews. The three-day total for the opening weekend (Friday-Sunday) reached $10.4 million, marking the most substantial U.S. debut for both the director and the studio.

This film has now become GKIDS’ top-grossing release, surpassing the previous record-holder, Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You,” which earned $7.8 million during its 2020 release in 486 theaters under the same distributor. This is the first time that a 2D animated film has topped the box office since Disney’s Princess and the Frog back in 2009.

With a box office revenue of $12.97 million, “The Boy and the Heron” now ranks as the 12th highest-grossing anime title in U.S. history, surpassing “One Piece Film: Red” at $12.78 million. Additionally, the film is poised to claim the title of Miyazaki’s highest-grossing work in the region. As of now, “Ponyo” holds that distinction, having earned $15.1 million throughout its entire theatrical run in 2009.

In 2023, “The Boy and the Heron” became the fourth animated film to lead the U.S. box office, following “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.”

Dreamworks’ “Trolls Band Together” and Disney’s “Wish” both secured spots in the top five at the domestic box office over the weekend. Experiencing a modest decline of only 20.8% from the previous week, “Trolls” contributed an additional $6.2 million, securing the fourth position and bringing its domestic total to $83 million. Meanwhile, “Wish” garnered $5.3 million during the weekend, securing the fifth spot and pushing its three-week domestic total to $49.4 million.

Rounding out the top 5 were “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Godzilla Minus One.” What movie are you looking forward to this Holiday season? Will you be heading out to theaters to catch Boy and the Heron or another film? Let us know your thoughts in a comment.

New Phantom Manor Figure Coming to Disneyland Paris from Artists Kevin & Jody

By

Chip

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December 12, 2023

New Phantom Manor Figure Coming to Disneyland Paris from Artists Kevin & Jody

Unlocking the magic of limited-edition collectibles, Disneyland Paris is set to enchant fans with a new exclusive figurine created by renowned artists Kevin & Jody. This exquisite piece, a reproduction of the enigmatic Mayor of Phantom Manor, is poised to make its debut on December 16.

Limited to just 1000 copies, this figurine promises to be a coveted treasure for collectors and Disney enthusiasts alike. Priced at 129€, each piece exudes a sense of exclusivity, ensuring its place as a cherished addition to any Disney memorabilia collection.

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To maintain the allure of its exclusivity, there is a purchase limit of 2 pieces per transaction, emphasizing the uniqueness of each acquisition.

To embark on this enchanting journey and secure your piece of Disney magic, the figurine will be available at select shops, including Thunder Mesa Mercantile Building, Harrington’s Fine China & Porcelains, and The Disney Gallery in Disney Village.

Don’t miss your chance to bring a touch of Phantom Manor mystique into your world with this limited-edition masterpiece from the imaginative minds of Kevin & Jody.