Starbucks Reusable Red Cup Returns TODAY while Supplies Last
The holidays are here at Starbucks! To celebrate, Starbucks is gifting a free 2023 reusable red holiday cup to customers who order a handcrafted holiday beverage (like the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai) at a participating U.S. Starbucks store on Nov. 16, while supplies last.
The red cup giveaway is available however you order, including the Starbucks app and Starbucks delivery on DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Order any size handcrafted holiday or fall beverage – hot, iced or blended – and you’ll receive a free grande (16-ounce) Starbucks reusable red cup with a whimsical mod design.
Bring back your clean reusable red cup (or any clean cup!) into a participating U.S. Starbucks store to receive a $.10 discount on your beverage, plus 25 Bonus Stars for Starbucks Rewards members who use the Starbucks app. Using a personal reusable cup is a great way to help Starbucks reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030.
Great Maple Modern American Eatery is Now Open at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
A new dining location has opened at Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel in the Disneyland Resort! Great Maple Modern American Eatery is now open for guests to enjoy.
New tasty delights are on their way to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel! Great Maple Modern American Eatery is open and offering some delicious food items. For brunch, guests can enjoy items like French Toast Logs, Buttermilk Pancakes, and Fried Chicken & Doughnuts.
For lunch and dinner favorites include Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon, Steakhouse Burger, Turkey Bolognese, and Cobb Wedge salad. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on the Famous Maple Bacon Doughnuts!
Order breakfast, lunch, dinner and craft cocktails at any time of day! Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs, Charred Cauliflower Hummus, Maple Pecan-Crusted Salmon and Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts are just some of the tasty menu items. And craft cocktails—including a signature take on the old fashioned with bacon washed bourbon, and the blood orange margarita with spicy salt rim is not to be missed!
Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast… enjoy what you like from the menu morning, noon or night.
Are you looking forward to dining at Great Maple Modern American Eatery?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
The Walt Disney Company generates billions in the Florida economy. Recently, Disney shared just how much the company supports local businesses and impacts the local economy.
In the fiscal year 2022, a recent study by Oxford Economics revealed that Walt Disney World Resort, renowned as one of the globe’s premier vacation spots, contributed a substantial $40 billion to the economic landscape of Florida. Additionally, it played a pivotal role in creating over a quarter of a million jobs within the state. This noteworthy information was announced on Tuesday.
The research highlighted that over the past five decades, Disney has been a significant contributor to Florida’s economy, tourism sector, and small businesses. The study indicates that Disney’s influence has resulted in the creation of 263,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, within the state. This amounts to approximately 1 out of every 32 jobs in Florida, encompassing Disney’s own workforce of 82,000 spread across the state.
Remarkably, the study demonstrated that without Disney’s impact, Florida’s unemployment rate would experience a substantial increase from 3% to 5.4%. Furthermore, the company plays a pivotal role in generating $6.6 billion in tax revenue for the state.
Commissioned by Disney, the study also delves into the economic influence of Disney Signature Experiences in Florida, encompassing entities like Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line. Nevertheless, Disney’s impact extends across a diverse spectrum of goods and services, involving everyone from the painters responsible for maintaining Cinderella Castle to the vendors supplying various treats within the parks.
Disney also gives back to Florida nonprofits by contributing hundreds of millions of dollars throughout its history.
Last month, the company announced another round of donations totaling $1.5 million going to 19 organizations. In fiscal year 2022, Disney cast members donated more than 233,000 volunteer hours in Florida.
Ready to plan your next Disney vacation? 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.
Must Have BoxLunch Exclusive Mickey Mouse Fanny Pack!
This Mickey Mouse Fanny Pack is perfect for your next visit to a Disney Park or to run everyday errands! You can get it exclusively at BoxLunch Gifts for a special price of $24.43 with the Black Friday sale.
The design is very simple with a black color featuring a metal Mickey plaque, this bag also includes an adjustable buckle strap and a zipper closure. The inside is red with different compartments so you can organize all your essentials!
Celebrate the Holidays with a Pirate Twist at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando!
Are you ready for a holiday season filled with excitement, fun, and a hint of pirate adventure? Pirates Dinner Adventure is adding a bit of holiday magic to its shows from November 24 to December 25. This is the perfect time to gather your family for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Starting November 24, Pirates Dinner Adventure will deck its halls with the holiday spirit, adding a Christmas twist to its action-packed dinner show. Imagine enjoying a classic pirate adventure with a dash of Christmas magic! You’ll be treated to exciting performances, romance, and thrilling action, all set to the tune of Christmas music. And the best part? A special guest from the North Pole will make a ship-side visit at the end of the show.
The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there. Join the post-show Buccaneer Bash to party with pirates and snap a picture with Santa Claus himself. For a keepsake, a special photo package is available for purchase.
Orlando Dinner Entertainment is going all out this holiday season. Their adult-only Teatro Martini show gets a holiday makeover, featuring world-class aerial acts, comedy, magic, and more. And for country music fans, Country Nights Live will include holiday tunes in their Southern hoedown dinner show.
Prices and Booking Details
Pirates Dinner Adventure:
General Admission: $72.95 (adults), $46.95 (children 3-10), free for children under 2.
Includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.
There are two different sizes available so you can pick the one that works best for you. It’s a great piece to add some Disney magic to your home in a subtle way!
Disney100 Limited Edition Platinum Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack Available Now!
Your style will shine with this new Disney100 Limited Edition Platinum Winnie the Pooh Loungefly Backpack! A beautiful limited edition bag that deserves a place in your collection, you can get it at Loungefly.com for $90.
This backpack features shiny silver metallic vegan leather and embroidery details that bring Winnie the Pooh’s face to life. His 3D ears poke up at the top as well, and shiny red metallic vegan leather complements the silver color.
There’s a front zipper pocket for securing smaller items on your travels, and an enamel silver-colored metal charm of a bee tops off the look. A bee motif carries through in silver on the red straps. On the back, you’ll find red print spelling out “Disney 100: 100 Years of Wonder.” Travel wonderfully in character wherever you go with this brilliant accessory!
New Star Wars Christmas Sweater And T-Shirt Spotted At Hollywood Studios!
We found a new Star Wars Christmas Sweater and t-shirt for kids at Hollywood Studios that are perfect for this holiday season! In fact, if you get them online at shopDisney, you can get them for a special price!
This fun cardigan features Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Darth Vader vintage-inspired holiday screen art on the front with peppermint candy-shaped buttons, dropped shoulders and red long sleeves.
This tee features Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia vintage-inspired artwork on front with ”Merry Sithmas” text on top. Turn it around and you will find text on back that reads: ”A long time ago in a galaxy far away…. Episode Twelve Days of Sith. It is a time of joy for the galaxy. Young Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia look to restore holiday spirit in their father, Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith….” We love it!
You can take a closer look at both items in our Instagram post:
New Star Wars Holiday Dog Pajamas For Your Furry Friend!
Now your furry friend can match with the whole family with these Star Wars Holiday Dog Pajamas! You can find them at retail stores around the Walt Disney World and treat your best friend to a cute new outfit that will keep it warm this holiday season.
These pajamas feature red plaid with vintage-inspired holiday embroidery of Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker. Definitely a very cute outfit for your dog or cat!
Cirque du Soleil is offering up a new black Friday offer for the popular Drawn to Life
Looking for the perfect family gift this holiday season? Check out this amazing Black Friday deal for “Drawn to Life,” a stunning show by Cirque du Soleil and Disney. This offer, available until Nov. 28, gives you up to 25% off on tickets for shows running through December 2024.
“Drawn to Life” has been wowing audiences at Disney Springs West Side since November 2021. It’s a heartwarming tale about the bond between a father and daughter, inspired by the 100-year legacy of storytelling from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show combines Disney’s iconic stories and characters with Cirque du Soleil’s extraordinary artistry. Expect breathtaking acrobatics, beautiful choreography, memorable musical scores, and brand-new animation created by Disney artists.
You can grab your tickets at www.cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life or in person at the Disney Springs box office. Just mention the Black Friday offer! Remember, tickets are based on availability and certain exclusions apply. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic with your family!
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!
New Home Designs Revealed for Cotino, the First Storyliving by Disney Community
Once a beloved retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney, the greater Palm Springs area will be the setting for Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney new-home community currently underway in Rancho Mirage, California. The Cotino community will be a creative oasis energized by the desert’s natural beauty and designed to inspire residents to write the next exciting chapter of their lives. As part of the current pre-sales launch, Storyliving by Disney is sharing the community’s initial home designs including floorplans, elevations and information about the homebuying process.
“Today marks an important next step toward fulfilling our vision for Storyliving by Disney as we bring our company’s legacy of placemaking, attention to detail and guest service to life like never before,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “The Cotino community will celebrate everything Walt Disney loved about this valley – stunning landscape, rich history, friendly neighbors and a rejuvenating spirit – all while adding extra touches of magic only Disney can deliver. We can’t wait for residents to experience this special place where they will be inspired to live their very best lives.”
Design from Woodbridge Pacific Group within the Cotino Aspirion design collection. (Disney)
The initial sales release includes a very limited selection of single-family homes from award-winning builder Shea Homes. Buyers of all ages will have access to several options, with a special area called Longtable Park dedicated to 55+ adults. Shea Homes will offer floorplans specifically designed for the Cotino community on 50- and 60-foot-wide home sites. On the 50-foot home sites, part of the Cottage Collection, there are three different floorplans with one- and two-story models ranging from approximately 2,260 – 2,820 square feet. On the 60-foot home sites, part of the Grand Collection, there are four different floorplans with one- and two-story models ranging from approximately 2,780 – 3,730 square feet. Floorplans feature designs with flex and loft spaces while also encouraging indoor-outdoor living with entry courtyards and covered terraces that will immerse residents in the beauty of the region. Davidson Communities and Woodbridge Pacific Group will release additional single-family home sites throughout 2024.
Design from Davidson Communities within the Cotino Aspirion design collection. (Disney)
Homebuyers can choose from elevations within four distinct design collections – Cotino Coachella Collection, Cotino Agrarian Collection, Cotino Oasis Collection and Cotino Aspiron Collection – that represent the rich history and landscape of the greater Palm Springs area. Walt Disney Imagineering provided the architectural and aesthetic inspiration for each design collection including direction on color palettes, exterior elements and landscaping.
Design from Shea Homes within the Cotino Aspirion design collection. (Disney)Design from Shea Homes within the Cotino Aspirion design collection. (Disney)Design from Shea Homes within the Cotino Oasis design collection. (Disney)
The Cotino community’s first phase will begin with a very limited release from Shea Homes and eventually include 327 home sites as well as a collection of parks and landscaped walking paths. The 618-acre community has plans for more than 1,900 total residential units, including additional single-family homes and future condominiums, the voluntary Artisan Club that will offer on-site amenities and club programming, and a town center with shopping and dining nestled along Cotino Bay.
Artisan Club Membership
Beyond beautiful homes, Cotino community will offer a voluntary Artisan Club with an array of amenities and special experiences infused with Disney touches and legendary service. The Artisan Club will include a restaurant, pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and waterfront bar and activity area. The club will be located along Cotino Bay, which will feature the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, where members will be able to enjoy the bay with access to kayaks and paddle boards. The club will also be home to the one-of-a-kind Parr House. Designed to look like the Parr family home in Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” the multi-functional space will be available for members to attend club-hosted events.
The Disney difference will come to life through the club’s daily enrichment programming focused on life-long learning, discovery and fun. Some of the experiences under consideration include storytelling dinners featuring meals inspired by classic Disney tales, lessons with Disney artists and family fun days with Disney-themed activities and games. The Artisan Club will also feature health and wellness programming.
Initially, Artisan Club memberships will only be available to Cotino community homeowners. A limited number of non-resident memberships may be available in the future. Select virtual programming is anticipated to start in 2024 with in-person activities to begin when the Artisan Club opens, which is expected in 2025.
Located near the first phase of residential development along Cotino Bay, plans for the community’s town center are currently underway. Expected to include shops and restaurants, the town center will also be home to a professionally managed beach park, known as Cotino Bay Beach, where guests can swim, kayak and more with the purchase of admission. The town center is expected to open in phases beginning in 2026.
Adding to the recreational options coming to Cotino, homeowners and guests can enjoy the diverse range of activities, experiences and epicurean delights in the city of Rancho Mirage. The surrounding area offers cultural activities and physical pursuits like hiking, tennis and golfing on courses created by legendary designers.
Homebuyers interested in living in the Cotino community can begin the process by visiting the Story of Cotino website to learn more about the homes available in the initial release, including floorplans, elevations and anticipated pricing, and request a pre-sales appointment. Pre-sales appointments will be with Disney sales guides who will bring the Disney standard of customer service excellence to the homebuying journey. Requests for pre-sales appointments both virtually and in-person at the Cotino sales studio can be made by visiting the Story of Cotino website. Appointments are available now through Jan. 9, 2024 prior to the start of home sales in early 2024. The on-site Cotino sales studio is open for in-person meetings by appointment only.
Home prices will be set by the homebuilders. Purchase agreements will be between the buyer and the homebuilder.
The Cotino community is being brought to life in collaboration with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for its large-scale planned communities in the U.S.
The Cotino community is the first Storyliving by Disney community in the U.S. and other locations are under exploration. Each community is uniquely designed with creative guidance from Disney Imagineers who take inspiration from the surrounding area’s history, community and landscape to create a one-of-a-kind place that inspires residents to write their next chapter. Pricing will reflect the local market and vary by location.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Wins Thea Award for Outstanding Attraction
Walt Disney Imagineering’s groundbreaking work on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has earned the attraction a prestigious Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement – Attraction in 2024 by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). This international recognition from TEA, celebrating excellence in the themed entertainment industry, acknowledges the exceptional creativity and innovation brought to life by the Imagineering teams.
Barbara Bouza, president of Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed gratitude to TEA, emphasizing the honor of being recognized for pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, located in EPCOT, showcases Disney’s commitment to innovation and imagination. The attraction, featuring an intergalactic chase, holds the distinction of being the longest fully enclosed coaster in any Disney park.
Among its “firsts,” the ride boasts the initial reverse launch for a Disney coaster and employs the first Disney Omnicoaster ride system. This innovative system ensures that vehicles make controlled rotations, providing guests with an immersive experience throughout the action-packed journey.
Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, applauded Walt Disney Imagineering for their remarkable achievement, stating that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind stands as a highlight of the EPCOT transformation, blending Disney’s storytelling legacy with a captivating ride experience that keeps guests returning for more.
