Visitors are invited to stroll up to the bench adorned with the Walt the Dreamer Statue, positioned to overlook EPCOT, offering a picturesque backdrop for a memorable photo opportunity.
On either side of the bench where Walt sits are two plaques.
The one on the left reads:
“Walt the Dreamer”
Dedicated to all who dream of a better tomorrow
December 5, 2023
The one on the right reads:
“…always be in a state of becoming.” — Walt Disney
Situated on the bench, Walt is portrayed in the latter stages of his life, exuding a contented smile with hands clasped. The bench is strategically positioned in front of a partially obscured view of Spaceship Earth, creating a unique and captivating setting.
Adding an extra layer of significance, the back of the bench showcases intricate detailing inspired by the envisioned design for Walt’s E.P.C.O.T.—the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This ambitious concept originally conceived EPCOT as a fully functional city rather than the theme park it eventually became.
Yesterday was the official dedication of the Walt the Dreamer Statue which you can see the video below:
EPCOT has released new park maps featuring World Celebration Gardens and starring Figment on the cover
Several exciting updates are happening today at EPCOT: Luminous: The Story of Us is debuting, the new Walt The Dreamer statue and World Celebration Gardens are open to the public, and a new park map has debuted, including the addition of World Celebration Gardens and featuring Figment on the cover!
The park maps have been updated to include the new World Celebration gardens. The walls around the gardens have been removed, allowing guests to navigate through them. It appears we are nearing the end of the walcot phase of EPCOT!
The new maps are available to all guests as you enter the park. Figment has only been increasing in popularity lately, with an increasing amount of Figment merch being released, a popular Figment meet and greet is available in EPCOT, and the new fireworks spectacular Luminous: The Story of Us will feature Figment. Adding everyone’s favorite purple dragon is just icing on the cake.
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!
The Holiday season is swiftly approaching, but there’s no holiday hiatus at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany, where construction of the Disney Treasure is in full swing.
Recent weeks have witnessed significant developments, with the iconic forward and aft funnels now proudly perched atop the ship. Sporting a fresh coat of primer paint, these recognizable symbols, emblematic of the entire fleet, have officially claimed their rightful place, marking a significant stride towards the completion of the Disney Treasure.
However, these funnels aren’t merely decorative; they serve a dual purpose. Adventurous guests will soon have the chance to hurtle through the forward funnel aboard the AquaMouse, Disney’s innovative at-sea attraction. Alternatively, for those seeking a unique experience, the two-story EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite nestled within the funnel promises an exclusive and enchanting stay.
As the Disney Treasure charts its course toward its inaugural voyage, scheduled for December 2024—just over a year away—the ship’s log will keep you abreast of the ongoing progress. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news!
Luminous: The Symphony of Us will feature a nod to Figment
Luminous: The Symphony of Us, the all-new nighttime EPCOT fireworks spectacular, debuts tonight. Steve Davison, creative executive for Disney Live Entertainment, was interviewed by USA Today ahead of the debut performance about the show, and dropped a few hints about what fans should expect-including the fact the show features a nod to Figment!
Davison related several interesting facts about the show to USA Today, such as the show will not feature any projections, the soundtrack contains both new songs as well as classic Disney songs presented in a whole new and beautiful way, and the storyline will feature a nod to EPCOT’s Future World and Figment!
Speaking specifically about Figment, Davison is quoted as stating “there’s a cute little nod that we do to Future World because it’s this huge section over here with Figment, who everyone loves, and Figment welcomes everybody, too.”
One more piece of great news for all Disney fans: the barges for this show will not be permanent fixtures in World Showcase Lagoon. The barges will come out in the afternoon for the show, and will then return to an off-stage holding area until the next day. This will prevent the sightline obstruction across the lagoon that was universally panned by Disney fans when the Harmonious barges were installed.
Are you excited to check out Luminous: The Symphony of Us? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
We were able to check out the all-new eet by Maneet Chauhan at Disney Springs
eet by Maneet Chauhan is an all-new Disney Springs restaurant that is now open! The quick-service location serves up a variety of authentic Indian dishes bursting with flavor. We were recently able to check out this highly anticipated location, and have your first look ready for you!
The food at eet by Maneet Chauhan is amazing and well worth a trip to Disney Springs. The portions are plentiful, and we found every bite to be simply amazing.
The menu offers a wide array of options, including the sharable eet Bread Service with Pimento Whipped Paneer and Walking Taco.
In addition to the sharable menu, eet offers a wide variety of Pizza & Breads, Salads, and Build Your Own Bowl options.
We were lucky enough to try a wide range of menu items during our recent visit and found every dish to be packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.
We highly recommend you add a stop at eet by Maneet Chauhan to your itinerary during your next visit to Disney Springs!
Photo Credit: Mary M.
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!
Annual Passholders are finding their visit options limited for December and New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are required to make a park reservation to visit a park before 2 P.M. any day of the week. Passholder can often just hit up a park after 2 P.M. if they do not have a park reservation, provided the park has capacity for the passholder to enter and that park is not Magic Kingdom. Passholders looking to enter a park at park open in December will find their park choices and dates becoming increasingly limited in December.
We previously reported park reservations for Christmas Day at Magic Kingdom are 100% booked for all ticket types. Annual pass holders will also find the following dates and parks no longer have availability:
Saturday, December 9th, at Magic Kingdom
Saturday, December 16th, at Magic Kingdom
Monday, December 18th, at Magic Kingdom
Tuesday, December 19th, at Magic Kingdom
Monday, December 31st, at EPCOT
Here is the guidance on park pass reservations for annual passholders from the Walt Disney World website:
To enter a theme park, each Passholder must have a theme park reservation and valid admission. Theme park reservations are limited and are subject to availability and applicable pass blockout dates.
Passholders can hold the following number of theme park reservations at a time (varies by pass) on a rolling basis:
Disney Incredi-Pass: up to 5
Disney Sorcerer Pass: up to 5
Disney Pirate Pass: up to 4
Disney Pixie Dust Pass: up to 3
Annual Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s). This is in addition to holding their maximum number of theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis.
Beginning January 9, 2024, Guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to visit another theme park at any time of day during park hours (subject to capacity limitations). On days when theme park reservations are required for Annual Passholders, Passholders will be able to take advantage of updates to Park Hopper access after visiting their first park.
Annual Passholders may visit the theme parks after 2:00 PM without a theme park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom park. Applicable pass blockout dates apply. Annual Passes are subject to the Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions and are subject to change without notice.
Passholders should also consider the 31st at EPCOT as pretty much off-limits since the park will likely hit capacity on New Year’s Eve and not allow park hopping nor let anyone in after 2 P.M. without a park reservation. Additionally, all pass levels other than the top-tier Incredipass are blocked out from December 20th through January 3rd.
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 Shares a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Luminous The Symphony Of Us at EPCOT
Join Cast Members from Disney Live Entertainment as they take you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes first look at Luminous the Symphony of Us at EPOCT – starting December 5, 2023.
Delight in a dramatic show designed to bring us all together. Marvel at a dazzling pageant of fireworks, fountains, music, and lights set to an original composition.
New music, along with evocative selections from the Disney songbook, come together to remind us that we are more alike than we are different.
The brief 5-minute video encompasses behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, showcasing the intricate maneuvering of the barges, accompanied by insights and comments from the talented design team behind the show.
Delight in a dramatic show designed to bring us all together. Marvel at a dazzling pageant of fireworks, fountains, music and lights set to an original composition. New music, along with evocative selections from the Disney songbook, come together to remind us that we are more alike than we are different.
On Dec. 4, 2023 Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Cast Members were among the first to see the all-new "Walt the Dreamer" statue that debuted as a focal point of the stunning World Celebration Gardens. In a memorable dedication moment, EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez was joined by the Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Imagineer Scott Mallwitz and the Voices of Liberty to celebrate the original dreamer, Walt Disney. Guests can explore the gardens beginning Dec. 5, 2023 at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Abigail Nilsson, Photographer)
(Abigail Nilsson, Photographer)
Unveiling Walt the Dreamer Statue at EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens
On December 4, 2023, the esteemed Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient Cast Members were granted an exclusive preview of the newly unveiled “Walt the Dreamer” statue. This captivating sculpture takes center stage in the enchanting World Celebration Gardens, adding a touch of magic to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.
The dedication ceremony was a momentous occasion, featuring EPCOT Vice President Kartika Rodriguez, Walt Disney World Ambassadors, Imagineer Scott Mallwitz, and the harmonious voices of the Voices of Liberty. Together, they paid tribute to the visionary Walt Disney, capturing the essence of his enduring dreams that continue to inspire generations.
Come December 5, 2023, all guests are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty of World Celebration Gardens, where “Walt the Dreamer” stands as a symbol of fulfillment. The statue portrays Walt in a stage of reflection, appreciating the realization of his grand vision—the Florida Project and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This serene setting allows visitors to connect with EPCOT, embrace the wonders of nature, and share in the collective optimism that defines the park.
As part of the broader World Celebration Gardens, Dreamers Point is poised to become a hub for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection. Each garden within this central area draws on the architectural legacy of EPCOT, incorporating modern lighting elements and a rich variety of natural textures.
(Kent Phillips, Photographer)
“Walt the Dreamer” at Dreamers Point is a tribute not only to the man who sparked the Disney legacy but also to everyone who steps into EPCOT daily, embracing the limitless potential and possibilities our world has to offer. The unveiling of this statue adds another layer of enchantment to the park, ensuring that Walt’s dream lives on in the hearts of all who visit EPCOT.
Handmade Candy Canes Debut at the Disneyland Resort
The very popular handmade holiday candy canes have debuted at the Disneyland Resort! These tasty holiday treats are extremely limited and are available at both parks on alternating days.
Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure: Dec. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25
For a chance to purchase a candy cane, a Mobile Waitlist will be used. Once the mobile waitlist is activated, you can add your name and phone number at the location to receive a text back with a time to return to the location for the opportunity to purchase a candy cane. Quantities are very limited so there is no guarantee you’ll be able to purchase one.
Our number one tip for getting your hands on a candy cane is to get to the parks early! The early bird gets the candy cane!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland 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.
The Disneyland Resort has multiple special ticket offers for guests wanting to visit in 2024! A variety of ticket options and special offers are available.
If you’re planning a visit early in the new year, remember that families can get greater value with a special offer on Disneyland Resort theme park tickets for children ages 3-9. Valid for visits between Jan. 8 and March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability), child tickets can be purchased for as low as $50 per child, per day.
And if you’re a Southern California resident, there are even more ways to save in the first part of the year. The Southern California resident ticket offer is back, where eligible guests may experience the magic of Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park for as low as $75 per day for a limited time with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket, subject to park reservations. These tickets, which are a terrific value, go on sale today, Dec. 5, 2023, for visits on select days Jan. 2 through June 2, 2024.
Ready to plan your visit to the Disneyland 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.
Holiday Sweets & Treats at Vanellope’s on the Disney Dream
Holiday sweets and treats have arrived at Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats on the Disney Dream! We were recently on board for a Very Merrytime sailing and stopped by to see what holiday goodies were available.
What treats do you like to indulge in on the Disney Dream?
If you’d like to plan your next Disney cruise, 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.
