Disney Donates Additional 75,000 Toys to Toys for Tots

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December 2, 2023

Disney Donates Additional 75,000 Toys to Toys for Tots

This past week for Giving Tuesday Disney announced that its Toy Drive has provided grants to Toys for Tots that will deliver 75,000 toys to children in need. That’s in addition to over 16,000 toys that have been collected so far this holiday season for the Marine Toys for Tots Program.

The donation was announced earlier this week on ABC’s “Good Morning America” by host Ginger Zee, where Staff Sergeant (SSgt) James Caldwell, a true hero and volunteer with a decades-long connection to Toys for Tots, was on hand with fellow Marines to help start wrapping some of the donated toys.

SSgt Caldwell previously served as the coordinator of the local Worcester, Massachusetts, Toys for Tots chapter for the past two years, though his personal connection with the organization stretches back to his early childhood.

Born into the foster care system, James found his forever family at just 6 months old when foster parents Bill and Judith Caldwell took him in. At 4 years old, James was officially adopted, a day he describes as “winning the lottery” and “the greatest thing that ever happened” to him.

SSgt Caldwell remembers receiving Toys for Tots gifts every Christmas for the first decade of his life, and he credits receiving these gifts as part of the reason he was inspired to join the Marine Corps to serve his country.

Now, he embraces the opportunity to give back to other children in need, carrying forward the legacy that shaped his own life. SSgt Caldwell has been involved with Toys for Tots throughout the entirety of his career and says he doesn’t remember a time when it wasn’t a part of his life.

Since Toys for Tots was founded in 1947, the same year Walt Disney and his team of animators designed the Toys for Tots logo that is still used today, Marines and volunteers have distributed 652 million toys to over 291 million children. You can be part of these efforts to inspire hope when it’s needed most this holiday season.

There are two ways to donate toys:

Donate a toy online at shopDisney.com through December 24, 2023. -OR-
Donate a new, unwrapped toy in person at one of our drop-off locations now through December 15, 2023. For locations across the United States, visit Disney.com/toydrive.

Disney’s Frozen the Musical Performs at The White House

By

Marc Valentine

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December 2, 2023

Disney’s Frozen the Musical Performs at The White House

On Monday, November 27, First Lady Jill Biden hosted a special event at The White House for the official unveiling of the holiday and seasonal décor. The distinguished guests included the stars of Frozen – Caroline Bowman (Elsa), Lauren Nicole Chapman (Anna), Jeremy Davis (Olaf), Dominic Dorset (Kristoff), and Preston Perez (Hans) – who delivered a captivating performance featuring highlights from the Tony®-nominated Best Musical.

In line with her Joining Forces initiative aimed at supporting military families, the First Lady extended a warm invitation to National Guard families, making them the first members of the public to witness the festive White House decorations. Following her holiday message, the children of National Guard families were treated to a magical performance by the talented cast from the North American tour of Disney’s stage musical, Frozen.

The audience responded with a resounding ovation, and the First Lady expressed her gratitude, commending the cast as “amazing” for their outstanding performance.

Celebrated by The New Yorker as both “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has dazzled audiences with its smash engagements, “thawing hearts from coast to coast!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Critics unanimously declare its enchantment, with the LA Daily News affirming, “It’s simply magical!”

Frozen boasts four global productions, currently enchanting audiences in Tokyo, London, and Hamburg. The Tony®-nominated Best Musical concluded its Broadway run in March 2020, breaking four house records at The St. James Theatre. Since its 2019 Los Angeles premiere, the North American tour has welcomed over 2 million guests.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Group and helmed by Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, Frozen’s stage adaptation features the beloved songs from the original Oscar®-winning film, along with a dozen new numbers by Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. The creative team, with a collective 16 Tony Awards, includes Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

For information, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook and Instagram.

Unwrap a Holiday Sweets Petite Cake from Amorette’s in Disney Springs

By

Sara

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December 2, 2023

Unwrap a Holiday Sweets Petite Cake from Amorette’s in Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs has lots of holiday treats! We tried the Holiday Sweets Petite Cake recently and it was delicious.

The Holiday Sweets Petite Cake is layers of spice cake, cream cheese icing, and apricot jam with fresh apple compote and Italian buttercream. It’s decorated with holiday sweets like a gingerbread man, candy cane, and chocolate chip cookies.

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You can enjoy this holiday treat for $22. It tastes just like Christmas!

Ready to plan your next visit to Disney World? Contact me today to start planning! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.

Photo Credit: Mary M

New Mickey & Friends Tree Lighting Ceremony on Very Merrytime Cruises

By

Sara

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December 2, 2023

New Mickey & Friends Tree Lighting Ceremony on Very Merrytime Cruises

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime sailings are offering a new Mickey & Friends Tree Lighting Ceremony! On the first night of the sailing, guests can enjoy a small festive show in the atrium with Mickey Mouse and friends. There’s even a special guest at the end!

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto invite guests to join them in singing Christmas carols in the atrium of the ship. All four characters are dressed in fun holiday attire. They all sing and dance to songs like “Deck the Halls”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Let it Snow”. During that last song, Pluto throws fake snow into the audience.

After singing a few holiday tunes, Mickey and his friends lead the audience in a countdown to light the tree and other holiday lights around the atrium. After the tree is lit, some special guests come down the staircase.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet all of the guests and then join Mickey and friends in singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. You can see the full show in our video below:

Are you ready to join Mickey & friends on a Very Merrytime 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.

1-800 Flowers debuts New Disney Holiday Collection featuring Mickey Mouse

By

Catherine

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December 1, 2023

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New Disney Holiday Collection from 1-800 Flowers featuring Mickey Mouse

Let the magic of Disney and the spirit of the holidays shine bright with this new and exclusive Holiday Collection from 1-800 Flowers! The excitement and joy of gifting genuine Disney branded products to family and friends celebrates the memories we cherish and all the iconic characters we know and love. Share a holiday surprise full of character this year!

As a delightful part of this festive collection, 1-800- Flowers offers a keepsake vintage-style planter that showcases beloved characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse delightfully enjoying a sleigh ride together, with their loyal friend Pluto playfully pulling them along. Paired perfectly with a festive red poinsettia, this gift is designed to bring warmth and charm to both hearts and homes during the magical Christmas season.

Share the holiday spirit in true Disney fashion with another gem from their exclusive collection- a keepsake metal planter adorned with the iconic trio of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck playfully tangled up in vibrant Christmas lights. Complemented by a fresh and aromatic tabletop spruce tree, this enchanting combination becomes a cherished addition to any holiday home.

Additional offerings include the adorable iconic flower pup floral arrangement. A delightful addition to the collection, this festive creation is meticulously crafted using white carnations and adorned with vibrant red, white, and green flowers, along with sparkling gold ornaments. Complete with an authentic replica of the original 1950’s Mouseketeer hat, this gift exudes charm and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for celebrating the season in style.

Another delightful offering from the exclusive Disney collection features a handcrafted bouquet assembled in cheerful Christmas hues and artfully arranged in whimsical Mickey Mouse and Friends cookie jar, adorned with iconic animations of the entire gang. Whether used as a charming keepsake container or to store your favorite treats, this sweet and nostalgic surprise is a heartwarming delight for every Disney enthusiast.

If you’re looking for a gift idea other than floral, a keepsake figurine may be the perfect gift for that special someone on your list! This beautifully hand-painted Mickey and Minnie Mouse sculpted piece by artist Jim Shore is skating its way into our hearts. We sure hope Santa will be delivering one of these special Disney Holiday gifts under our Christmas trees!

Adorable Valentino Popcorn Bucket Available At Walt Disney World!

By

Ana Leal

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December 1, 2023

Adorable Valentino Popcorn Bucket Available At Walt Disney World!

If you already watched Disney’s newest movie Wish, then you probably love Valentino just as much as we do, so getting this Valentino Popcorn Bucket was a no brainer for us. You can find it at popcorn carts around Walt Disney World for $20 and it includes popcorn of course.

This Valentino sculpted popcorn bucket features two different compartments to hold the delicious snack plus a Disney Wish strap to take it with you around the park.

Take a closer look at this bucket in our Instagram post:

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Disney Cruise Line Merch Roundup From The Disney Dream!

By

Ana Leal

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December 1, 2023

Disney Cruise Line Merch Roundup From The Disney Dream!

Take a look at all the Disney Cruise Line Merch we found during our cruise on the Disney Dream! From classic products to the 25th anniversary of DCL and a Christmas collection, we are sure you will find something that fits your style.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE SHIMMERING SEAS COLLECTION

This shimmering collection features light blue and silver colors that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Disney Cruise Line! It features a blue ombre spirit jersey, tank top, Captain Mickey Mouse ear headband, Mickey Mouse Loungefly backpack, a mug and Disney Cruise ornament with Captain Mickey that will look adorable on your tree!

DISNEY CRUISE LINE BLUE AND GOLD COLLECTION

If you prefer a more classic DCL product, this collection is the way to go! It features navy blue and gold colors in items like a Disney Dream Spirit Jersey, woven shirt, a gorgeous Disney Dream Loungefly Backpack with the cruise logo, Sorcerer Mickey Mouse and gold details.

Other items include a tote bag, shirt, hoodie, bucket hat, two other classic Disney Cruise Line spirit jerseys and polo shirt.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

The Christmas collection is fun and colorful! You can find a Disney Classics Holiday Spirit Jersey with Mickey & friends and “Merry Times Cruises” text across the back, a DCL Holiday Ear Headband with Christmas icons and a very sparkly red bow.

There’s also a Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie and friends Holiday T-Shirt for the whole family to match, a cute Captain Mickey & Minnie plus friends Mug to have your favorite hot beverage on Christmas day, a Mickey & Minnie Tumbler and a cute Captain Minnie and Mickey Pin for collectors!

DISNEY CRUISE LINE DOONEY & BOURKE COLLECTION

Finally, fashionistas will love the Disney Cruise Line Dooney & Bourke Collection featuring a tote bag, crossbody bag and wallet with the different Disney Cruise Line ships logos and sketches of beloved Disney characters.

You can take a closer look at all these products in our Instagram post:

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Disney Cruise Line Pandora Charms Available On The Disney Dream!

By

Ana Leal

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December 1, 2023

Disney Cruise Line Pandora Charms Available On The Disney Dream!

Set sail in style with these Disney Cruise Line Pandora Charms we found on the Disney Dream! They are beautiful and a great way to remember your time on the DCL.

Sorcerer Mickey Mouse is the star of this fun charm with gemstones all around, i mean you can’t go wrong with Sorcerer Mickey, the best Mickey in my opinion.

Then we found this dangling charm with a cruise ship charm in silver and blue, and an anchor with a hidden Mickey gemstone to add some sparkly to your wrist.

Finally, these Minnie and Mickey charms with a dangling 25 charm in honor of the 25th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line are so cute! They all have blue backgrounds and gemstone details for some extra shine!

You can take a closer look at these charms in our Instagram post:

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Disney Cruise Line Christmas Merchandise On The Disney Dream!

By

Ana Leal

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December 1, 2023

Disney Cruise Line Christmas Merchandise On The Disney Dream!

It’s officially holiday season on the sea! We found some festive Disney Cruise Line Christmas Merchandise during our cruise on the Disney Dream, check it out:

For apparel, we found a festive Captain Mickey and Minnie plus some other friends Christmas t-shirt in green for both adults and kids, and of course the Disney Classics Christmas Spirit Jersey in light blue with an all over pattern of Captain Mickey & Minnie and other beloved characters, the DCL logo on the front and “Merry Time Cruises” on the back.

We also found a new Disney Cruise Line Christmas Ear Headband in light blue with holiday icons, a sparkly red bow, ornament charm in the middle and holly leaves. So cute!

The Disney Classics Christmas Loungefly Backpack is also available on the cruise, is such a cute bag to wear this holiday season plus it also lights up!

Other holiday items we found include a Mickey & Minnie Holiday Tumbler, a Mickey & Friends Holiday Mug, a Hot Cocoa Set and a collectible pin featuring Captain Minnie & Mickey, a snowman, DCL logo and “Good Tides We Bring” text.

You can take a closer look at all of these pieces in our Instagram post:

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Universal’s newest theme park will be named Universal Kids Resort!

By

Chris B

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December 1, 2023

The new Universal resort coming soon to Frisco, Texas will be named Universal Kids Resort

Breaking news fellow Universal fans: Universal Parks and Experiences has announced the all-new park coming soon to Frisco, Texas will be dubbed “Universal Kids Resort.” The park will be a unique destination specifically geared toward younger children and their families.

Unlike its counterparts in Florida and California, Universal Kids Resort is specifically designed with younger children in mind. This means rides, attractions, and entertainment will cater to the tastes and excitement levels of little ones, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all family members.

Situated in Frisco, Texas, the Universal Kids Resort is perfectly positioned to attract visitors from all over the state and beyond. The resort will undoubtedly include family-friendly amenities, ensuring comfort and convenience for both kids and parents. From child-centric dining options to rest areas, every aspect of the park will be designed with families in mind.

While specific details about the attractions are still under wraps, we can expect Universal’s trademark creativity and attention to detail. Imaginative rides and interactive experiences based on popular children’s movies and TV shows are likely to be a major draw.

Universal Kids Resort in Frisco is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of theme parks. As we await more details, the excitement continues to build for this unique and exciting resort!

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!

New Breakfast Menu Coming to Smokejumpers in California Adventure

By

Chris B

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December 1, 2023

Smokejumpers in Disney’s California Adventure will feature an all-new lineup for Breakfast!

Big news for all you early birds heading to Disney California Adventure Park – Smokejumpers Grill is launching a breakfast menu! Starting December 6, you can kickstart your day with some delicious new eats before diving into your park adventures. Let’s check out what’s on the menu.

Here is Smokejumpers new breakfast lineup:

Breakfast Sandwich – A Hearty Start: Get ready to bite into a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich. It’s packed with sausage, egg, cheddar, crispy hash browns, SJG sauce, and a kick of green chile, all nestled in a toasted bun. This sandwich is sure to fill you up and fuel your morning!
Chorizo Burrito – Plant-Based Power: For our plant-based friends, or anyone looking for a tasty twist, the Chorizo Burrito is a must-try. It’s filled with sausage, plant-based chorizo, egg, cheese, hash browns, and topped with creamy avocado sauce and Molcajete salsa. Delicious and energizing!
Classic Breakfast Burrito – A Flavorful Favorite: Fans of traditional breakfast flavors will love the Classic Breakfast Burrito. It combines sausage, bacon, egg, cheddar, and hash browns, all wrapped up with Molcajete salsa. It’s a classic choice for a reason – it’s simply yummy!
Breakfast Cold Brew – A Sweet Wake-Up Call: Coffee lovers, get ready for a treat! The Breakfast Cold Brew features chocolate cold brew topped with toasted marshmallow foam and a sprinkle of cocoa crisped rice cereal. It’s a unique, non-alcoholic beverage that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Are you excited about the new breakfast menu at Smokejumpers Grill? Which dish are you most looking forward to trying? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

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!

Celebrate the Holidays with these Yuletide Offerings at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort

By

Chris B

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December 1, 2023

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort has some great holiday offerings lined up for you!

Planning on a holiday visit to the Walt Disney World resort? You may want to add a stay at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin to your plans, as they have an array of holiday offerings lined up this year!

The holiday offerings at Swan and Dolphin are bountiful, and include:

Elf Outpost – A New Place to Explore: Santa’s elves have made a special place at the resort just for us! You can check out where they make toys and even decorate cookies for free. Plus, they’ve got awesome toys and crafts that you can buy.
Story Time with Elves – Tales from the North Pole: Imagine snuggling up with milk and cookies while Santa’s elves read you a Christmas story. Sounds cozy, right? And you get to take home the book they read! (Just a heads up, this one costs a little extra.)
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus: Santa and Mrs. Claus are here, and they’re dressed for a Florida vacation! You can meet them in a Tiki hut decorated with reindeer, palm trees, and even flamingos. It’s a really fun photo op!
Giant Chocolate Santa Scene: In the Swan lobby, there’s a HUGE chocolate display with Santa and all sorts of Christmas stuff. It weighs a ton (literally!) and looks yummy, but it’s just for looking.
Magic Keys for Santa: If you’re worried about how Santa will bring your presents without a chimney, don’t fret! You can get a magic key on Christmas Eve to hang on your door so Santa knows where to go.
Dancing Lights Show: Every night, the resort lights up with palm trees that dance to holiday music. It’s like a Christmas party outside from sunset to 10 p.m.!

Plus you will be within walking distance (or a boat ride away) of Hollywood Studios, which is featuring Jollywood Nights this year!

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort is going all out for the holidays, and it’s going to be awesome. Whether you’re meeting Santa, listening to stories, or watching the light show, you’re sure to have a blast!

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!