Disney recently unveiled a new lineup of busses to support the Walt DIsney World internal transportation system, and we recently spotted and all-new Figment-themed bus at the Fort Wilderness Campground!
Figment, the beloved purple dragon from Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination, is the star of this whimsical new bus design. Unlike some of the other new buses that feature full wraps, this one sports a striking large Figment head in the center, framed by vibrant pink, purple, and yellow stripes along the bottom half.
Inside, the Figment bus has several notable upgrades when compared to the older Disney buses, including theater-style seating and a new latch system to securely accommodate guests in wheelchairs and ECVs, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for all.
FX, Hulu Explore More Seasons of Shogun with James Clavell Estate
Attention, Shogun fans! The critically acclaimed miniseries might be getting an extension. Variety reports that FX, Hulu, and the estate of James Clavell, author of the source novel, are collaborating to develop two additional seasons of the show.
This summer, a writers’ room will be assembled to flesh out the potential storylines for these new seasons. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t guarantee an official renewal. No production schedule has been set for these additional episodes.
Familiar Faces Returning:
The good news? Series co-creators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, along with executive producer Michaela Clavell (representing the James Clavell estate) and star/producer Hiroyuki Sanada, are all still attached to the project.
This development follows earlier reports hinting at a potential second season after the success of the first installment. The consideration of submitting the show for the drama series category at the Emmys, rather than limited series, also fueled speculation about FX’s long-term plans for Shogun.
Stay tuned for further updates! While an official greenlight hasn’t been announced, these discussions offer a promising glimpse into Shogun’s potential future.
You can now book Fantasmic Dining Packages at River Belle Terrace or Rancho del Zocalo
Fantasmic dining packages are available to book now at three restaurants in Disneyland! The nighttime spectacular returns to the park on May 24 and guests with dining packages can enjoy reserved seating.
There are two dining packages available at River Belle Terrace: Premium and Standard.
Premium Package Enjoy a 3-course dinner and the evening’s first performance of Fantasmic! right from your table on the outdoor terrace.
For dinner, choose dishes from the regular menu or from a Dining Package menu with specialty items, including:
Platter featuring Fried Chicken, Brisket and Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pot Roast
Mashed Potatoes
And dessert!
Package Pricing
Dinner: $89 per adult; $45 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity not included.
Time
7:15 PM dining reservation, outdoor seating only.
Standard Package Savor a delectable 3-course Southern-style meal for brunch or dinner and receive a voucher admitting you to a separate reserved viewing location for one of the 2 Fantasmic! performances that evening.
For brunch or dinner, choose dishes from the regular menu.
Brunch Enjoy menu items such as:
Loaded House Fries with Egg
Apple Pie Pancakes
Nashville Hot Chicken and Brisket Mac & Cheese Sandwich
And dessert!
Dinner Choose from a variety of menu options, including:
Nashville Hot Chicken and Brisket Mac & Cheese Sandwich
Pork Chop
Sustainable Fish
And dessert!
Package Pricing
Brunch: $55 per Guest (ages 10+); $30 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
Dinner: $55 per Guest (ages 10+); $30 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
Times
Brunch: 11:00 AM to 3:55 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM to 7:50 PM
Rancho del ZocaloRestaurante
At Rancho del Zocalo there is only one kind of dining package.
Standard Package Feast on Mexican-Korean fusion style cuisine with a tasty 3-course meal for lunch or dinner and receive a voucher admitting you to a separate reserved viewing location for one of the 2 Fantasmic! performances that evening.
For lunch and dinner, your menu options are the same.
Adult Menu Choose from an array of tasty entrees, including:
Chile Verde Riblet
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Taco
Potato Tacos (plant-based)
Sweet and Savory Carne Asada
Each entrée is served with Radish Slaw, Cilantro-lime Rice, Korean Potato Salad, Refried Beans, Cortadillo and a fountain beverage choice.
Kid’s Menu
Pick a tasty entrée:
Kid’s Riblet
Kid’s Potato Taco (plant-based)
Kid’s Mac and Cheese
Each kid’s entrée is served with a Cuties® Mandarin Orange, Cortadillo and a refreshing beverage choice.
Package Pricing
Lunch: $35 per Guest (ages 10+); $25 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
Dinner: $35 per Guest (ages 10+); $25 per Guest (ages 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.
Ready to head to Disneyland to celebrate the return of Fantasmic? Contact me today to start planning your visit! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Universal Hollywood Passholder Member Park Takeover Coming in June
Universal Hollywood Pass Members, the Park’s all yours! Mark your calendars for your exclusive after-hours Pass Member Park Takeover, presented by Coca-Cola featuring Sprite Chill, June 5, 2024, 8pm-12am. RSVPs begin May 22 after 11:15 am PT!
June 5, 2024 8:00pm – 12:00am Mark your calendars for June 5, 2024 for your exclusive after-hours Pass Member Park Takeover, presented by Coca-Cola® featuring Sprite Chill. Dive into the fun with your favorite rides and attractions, character meet-and-greets, photo ops, outdoor Sprite Chill Lounge, themed games, DJ’s, silent disco, and more. Admission is free with a valid Annual or Season Pass and an advance online reservation.
Special Pass Member Beverage
Universal has teamed up with Coca-Cola to bring Pass Members a special drink, Summer Peach Sprite. This unique beverage will be available for purchase only at Hollywood & Dine and Jurassic Cafe throughout the month of June. It’s a hidden gem not listed on the menu—just request it by name. Offer valid June 1-30. Purchase required.
Special Coca-Cola® Pass Member Offer
Pass Members also enjoy more savings and perks with the buy one fountain drink beverage and get one fountain drink beverage half off at participating locations in the Park all month long in June. Just ask a team member and show your Annual or Season Pass.
A Tram-tastic Magnet Just for Pass Members
Celebrate 60 years of the Studio Tour with a complimentary Pass Member collectible Studio Tour 60th Anniversary magnet. Pick up inside the theme park at the Universal Studios Store May 1-31, 2024. Ask at the register and show your valid Annual or Season Pass.
Will you be celebrating the park takeover at Universal Hollywood?
Ready to plan your next visit to Universal Hollywood? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
Avatar Experience will be First New Themed Area Coming to Disneyland
Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed plans to bring an Avatar-themed land to Disneyland Resort. This exciting addition will be the first project to break ground under the recently approved Disneyland Forward expansion proposal, fulfilling Iger’s initial announcement of an “Avatar experience” back in 2023.
“We have just gotten approval from the city of Anaheim for the biggest expansion of Disneyland since we opened DCA in 2001,” Iger said during the presentation. “It’s a huge expansion. We haven’t been specific about what’s going to be in it, except for Avatar.”
The Disneyland Forward proposal lays out a comprehensive 40-year plan for the resort’s future. This agreement allows Disney to develop new theme park experiences, shops, and restaurants within its existing property. While exciting possibilities like “Tangled,” “Zootopia,” “Encanto,” and “Black Panther” have been mentioned over the years, specific details on future attractions remain under wraps.
While specifics remain shrouded in a veil of Pandora-like bioluminescence, concept art released in April offered a tantalizing glimpse of what the Avatar land might hold.
Details about the Avatar land are still under wraps, but guests can expect a similar experience to the popular Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, as hinted by CEO Bob Iger in March. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements about the Disneyland Resort’s future at the D23 Expo happening August 9-11 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Bob Iger Announces: Disney Parks to Focus on IP for Future Expansion
Disney CEO Bob Iger has revealed a major shift in focus for the future of Disney Parks. During a recent Q&A session at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, Iger confirmed that “almost all” future investments in Disney Parks attractions and lands will be based on the company’s vast library of intellectual property (IP).
This decision stems from the proven success of incorporating beloved characters and stories into the park experience. Recent examples include the upcoming “Princess and the Frog” rethemed flume ride at Walt Disney World and the “Frozen,” “Peter Pan,” and “Tangled” themed port at Tokyo DisneySea.
And interestingly enough, if you look — if you analyze carefully how we achieve those returns on invested capital in the Parks, it was all about the IP. So, for quite a long time, new attractions in lands at the parks were based on essentially either very old IP or no IP, just an attraction.
And starting really with Cars Land and Toy Story and there are a few others, I can’t remember this, all the specifics, we decided that almost all of our investment in the parks in terms of attractions and lands would be using that IP. And it’s very, very clear what that delivers.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company
Iger expressed strong confidence in the enduring appeal of Disney’s IP, believing that guest interest will only continue to grow over time. He emphasized the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences, highlighting that “the value is not going away, showing no signs of ebbing at all.”
This strategic shift marks a significant step towards solidifying Disney’s position as a leader in immersive storytelling, leveraging its iconic characters and franchises to create unforgettable experiences for park visitors worldwide.
Disney’s ‘Zombies: The Re-animated Series’ Coming in June to Disney+
Get Ready to Re-Animate! Disney’s beloved “ZOMBIES” franchise is back with a brand new animated series, “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series,” premiering on Disney Channel and Disney+!
This musical series picks up where the movies left off, following the lives of Seabrook’s favorite zombie-human couple, Zed (Milo Manheim) and Addison (Meg Donnelly). With the help of some wacky alien tech from A-Spen (Terry Hu), they get a do-over on their senior year, this time with all their friends by their side.
Get ready for epic adventures, hilarious hijinks, and of course, tons of catchy tunes! Each episode will feature brand new original songs performed by the series’ stars, with a soundtrack dropping on June 28th!
The original cast is back! Cheerleaders Bree (Carla Jeffery) and Bucky (Trevor Tordjman) join the werewolf pack (Chandler Kinney, Pearce Joza, and Ariel Martin) and the lovable zombies Eliza (Kylee Russell) and Bonzo (James Godfrey) for another semester of fun. Plus, there’s a new kid in town! Dae, a quirky and endearing witch/alchemist played by Kahyun Kim, adds a touch of magic to the mix.
The “ZOMBIES” franchise has taken Disney Channel by storm. The first three films consistently ranked #1 among kids and tweens during their premieres, and have racked up over 253 million hours watched! “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” is even in the works! With catchy music (over 2.7 billion streams!), chart-topping soundtracks, and RIAA certifications, it’s safe to say this franchise is a smash hit.
Check out the Official Trailer below!
Don’t miss the highly anticipated premiere of “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series” on Disney Channel this Friday, June 28th at 8:00 pm EDT. Episodes will be available on Disney+ the following day. Get ready for a wild ride filled with music, laughter, and plenty of heart!
Free Admission for Veterans & Active Military This Memorial Day: SeaWorld Orlando Waves of Appreciation
Celebrate Memorial Day with Savings and Salute to Heroes at SeaWorld Orlando! SeaWorld is rolling out the red carpet (or should we say, the blue waves?) for Memorial Day with a special offer honoring both our nation’s heroes and your summer fun!
For a limited time, SeaWorld Orlando is offering a Memorial Day Sale featuring significant savings on park admission. Guests can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on SeaWorld Orlando tickets, Fun Cards, and Annual Passes. Fun Cards provide access to the park throughout the remainder of 2024, while Annual Passes grant unlimited entry for a full year.
SeaWorld Orlando proudly extends its gratitude to veterans and active military personnel through the Waves of Honor program. This ongoing initiative offers special pricing and promotions throughout the year.
As part of the Memorial Day commemoration, eligible U.S. military veterans and retirees can register by May 19th to receive complimentary single-day tickets for themselves and up to three dependents! These tickets must be redeemed by July 7th. Additionally, active-duty military personnel and their families enjoy complimentary admission year-round by presenting a valid military ID at the park entrance. What a wonderful way to honor our Veterans and Military!
This year marks SeaWorld Orlando’s 60th anniversary, and guests can expect an even more exciting experience! In addition to the Memorial Day Sale, SeaWorld has launched a limited-time anniversary promotion offering tickets starting at just $60.
SeaWorld Orlando offers a perfect blend of savings, entertainment, and appreciation this Memorial Day. Plan your visit and experience an unforgettable Memorial day!
Unleash Your Inner Hero with Edna Mode’s Airbnb Icon Experience!
Calling all aspiring Supers! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Incredibles with a once-in-a-lifetime Airbnb experience hosted by none other than Edna Mode herself!
Step into a World of Heroism:
Edna’s minimalist haven is a haven for creativity. Admire captivating artwork and iconic super suits that have graced the backs of legendary heroes.
Design Your Destiny:
Become a superhero in the making! Edna’s expert team will guide you through crafting a personalized supersuit, perfectly tailored to your unique powers and personality.
Embrace Your Inner Edna:
Channel your inner fashion icon! Explore Edna’s legendary monochrome wardrobe and accessorize to complete your heroic transformation.
Limited Availability:
Booking opens at 6:00 AM PT on Friday, May 24th! With only 15 experiences available for groups of up to 4, this is your chance to unleash your inner hero alongside Edna Mode. Don’t miss out! (Price listed as $0, but actual pricing details may be available upon booking.)
I could never truly retire from Super work, and I’m always looking for the next challenge. So come explore my years of hard work in the world of fashion and glamor, and design a Supersuit of your very own, fit for any adventure. It will be bold! Dramatic! Heroic! But remember—NO CAPES!
What you’ll do My home is a work of art—chic, minimalist design elegantly paired with state-of-the-art technology. It’s truly a modern masterpiece. Generations of Supers have walked these halls, and now you too can experience the creativity and craftsmanship of a customized Supersuit to take on the world.
Functional meets fabulous in a day curated by the greatest host in the world (ahem, yes, that’s me!)
• Take a look around and make yourself comfortable—you’ll find inspiration in everything from my artwork to my collection of the finest Supersuits, that much is certain.
• As you tour the spacious living area, take a peek at my top-secret sketchbook. Witness the magic and let it inspire you to sketch your own creations.
• Hungry? Of course you are. I have tastefully selected a smorgasbord of hors d’oeuvres and beverages, all available in the kitchen to feed your creativity.
• Head to my lab where my team of expert designers will lead your Supersuit experience.
• Create your one-of-a-kind Supersuit tailored to your unique powers.
• Your suit will arrive by US Post in just a few short weeks. No need to thank me, I know you’ll adore it!
Universal Orlando shares exclusive tour of Dreamworks Land ahead of its June opening
Excitement is building as Universal Orlando prepares to unveil its latest attraction: DreamWorks Land, set to open this June at Universal Studios Florida. Recently, Universal Orlando shared an exclusive sneak peek on its Instagram account, featuring Creative Director Dean Orion. The video follows Orion as he walks through some of the many attractions that await visitors in this enchanting new land.
One of the first stops on Orion’s tour was Shrek’s Cottage, a beloved setting from the iconic films brought to life in stunning detail. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to step into Shrek’s world, exploring his home and meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey. This charming photo opportunity is sure to become a must-do during your next Universal Orlando vacation.
Pinocchio’s Treehouse: A Whimsical Play Area
As the tour continued, Orion introduced viewers to Pinocchio, who was comfortably perched in a small treehouse overlooking Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, a delightful new play area within DreamWorks Land. A fun interactive feature awaits those who visit Pinocchio’s Treehouse. By pressing a button labeled “Fact Check” outside his treehouse, guests can hear Pinocchio share a fun fact, though discerning the truth may require some familiarity with his legendary fibbing.
Trolls Treats and Thrills
For guests with a sweet tooth, Trolls Treats is the perfect destination. This new haven offers a variety of themed goodies inspired by the world of Trolls, guaranteed to satisfy any candy craving. Following a treat, guests can hop aboard the Caterbus to experience the park’s exhilarating Trollercoaster. This thrilling ride promises an unforgettable adventure, providing the best (and fastest) view of DreamWorks Land.
Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp: Embrace Your Inner Warrior
The tour concluded at Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, where families can immerse themselves in the zen world of Kung Fu Panda. The adventure begins with a bang—literally—by pulling a rope to sound a massive gong, signaling your arrival to the entire village. This interactive experience allows guests to engage with Po’s world, practicing their kung fu moves and exploring the serene environment.
An Unforgettable Summer Awaits
As Dean Orion wrapped up the tour, he expressed his excitement for the upcoming opening. “I can’t wait for you all to experience DreamWorks Land for yourself this summer at Universal Orlando Resort,” he said, inviting everyone to join in the fun and magic that DreamWorks Land promises to deliver.
You can check out the complete video tour via the Universal Orlando Instagram Post below:
Whether you’re a fan of Shrek, Pinocchio, Trolls, or Kung Fu Panda, DreamWorks Land offers something for everyone. With its immersive attractions and beloved characters, this new addition to Universal Orlando is set to become a must-visit destination for families and fans alike. Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable adventure this summer!
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!
Walt Disney World has rolled out a refreshed digital guide map for the Magic Kingdom, now prominently featuring the eagerly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This stunning update offers guests a vibrant and detailed illustration of the new attraction, set to officially open its doors to all on June 28, 2024.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing the beloved Splash Mountain, promises an immersive experience filled with lush greenery and a winding water ride that invites guests into Princess Tiana’s world. The map showcases the attraction’s scenic design, highlighting the bayou’s rich flora and the ride’s meandering waterways, capturing the essence of Tiana’s New Orleans roots.
Disney has planned special preview events for annual passholders, cast members, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, and D23 members in the weeks leading up to the attraction’s grand opening. These exclusive previews will give select guests an early taste of the magic, allowing them to be among the first to experience the charm and excitement of Tiana’s new adventure.
Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to experience this magical adventure, whether through the exclusive previews or on its official opening day on June 28, 2024. Keep an eye on the digital map and start planning your journey to Tiana’s enchanting world today!
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!
Calling all Jedi and Sith – get ready for a delicious dilemma! The OREO brand has teamed up with Lucasfilm to unleash a limited-edition Star Wars cookie adventure.
Dark Side or Light? The Choice is Yours (Well, Kinda):
Two special edition Star Wars OREO cookie packs hit shelves soon, both sporting identical outer packaging. But here’s the twist: each pack holds a mystery! Inside, you’ll find either golden or dark chocolate creme – a tasty representation of the Force’s light and dark sides. Who will you choose? Or will fate decide?
Open a pack and discover your destiny! These limited-edition Star Wars OREO cookies promise a playful surprise with every bite. So, grab a pack (or two) and prepare to join the delicious battle between good and evil.
“Pairing two tremendously loved communities to launch the Star Wars™ OREO Cookie Packs has been an amazing experience,” said Nicole Fischer, Senior Brand Manager, OREO, US. “We are continuing to make strides to cement our brand’s cultural relevance via strategic collaborations. We hope fans see how much we loved bringing their favorite stories to life, and that they have fun discovering the details we’ve included at every touchpoint.”
When fans open their packs, and discover their destiny, they’ll be greeted with either dark side or light side Star Wars™ OREO Cookies with red or blue creme, respectively, that’s infused with “kyber” sugar crystals inspired by the crystals found in a LIGHTSABER™. On each cookie, fans will find embossments of corresponding dark side and light side characters such as Darth Vader, Darth Maul and a stormtrooper for the dark side pack, or Luke Skywalker, Yoda, and Princess Leia for the light side pack, with 10 characters each across the two varieties of the Special Edition Star Wars™ OREO Cookie Packs — 20 characters total.
The Star Wars™ and OREO Cookie lore goes even deeper if you take a closer look at the packaging art. As an homage to the franchise, the Star Wars™ OREO Cookie Packs feature original character artwork beautifully hand-painted by the legendary illustrator Greg Hildebrandt, an iconic Star Wars™ poster artist since 1977.
The new Star Wars™ OREO Cookie Packs will be available for presale starting May 30 at OREO.com/StarWars and will begin rolling out at retailers nationwide starting June 10. The packs will be available only for a limited time, while supplies last.
