Holiday Tow Mater Popcorn Bucket Rides into Disney California Adventure
A new holiday Tow Mater popcorn bucket has arrived at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort! Disney popcorn bucket collectors won’t want to miss out on this adorable souvenir.
The popcorn bucket is in the shape of our favorite Pixar Cars character, Tow Mater! He wears a Santa hat, carries a wreath with his tow hook, and is dusted with snow. The wreath is decorated with lug nuts, handlebars, and pliers. The front and back of the bucket both open to reveal space for the popcorn. He also comes with a red and white carrying strap.
If you don’t want to put the popcorn into your bucket, you don’t have to! The popcorn comes in its own separate carton. You can get your own Mater popcorn bucket from Cone 5 at Cozy Cone in Cars Land. It’s available for $27.79 and there is a limit of two per person.
What do you think of the holiday Tow Mater popcorn bucket?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disney California Adventure, 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.
Guests hoping to visit Epcot on New Years Eve will be disappointed if they don’t already have park reservations. Unless you have a park hopper ticket, you won’t be able to visit Epcot as the park pass reservations are currently at capacity.
Epcot park pass reservations are currently full for single day ticket holders and 1-day ticket holders. It looks like the only tickets that still have availability for Epcot on New Years Eve are Incredi Pass Annual Passes. Guests with park hopper tickets might be able to make a park pass reservation for another park and then hop to Epcot in the afternoon but there’s no guarantee Epcot won’t be at capacity.
Will you be ringing in the New Year at the parks?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Epcot, 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.
Universal Orlando Kicks off the Holidays Starting Friday November 17th – December 31st
Guests can celebrate the holidays at Universal Orlando from November 17th through December 31st! Guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more.
Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure can unleash their holiday spirit as they experience a mix of merry and mischief across the theme parks, including:
Exploring the wizarding holiday wonderlands of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then capping the night with the wondrous spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Meeting the mean, green one himself – the Grinch – and reveling in the spirit of Grinchmas with a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” during “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” at Universal Islands of Adventure
Gazing in awe at the larger-than-life balloons, festive holiday floats and beloved characters that wind the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s
Enjoying the sounds of the season with live performances by the top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, at Universal Studios Florida on December 2, 3, 9 and 10
And more!
Guests can savor a taste of the holidays with delicious specialty food and beverage offerings inspired by fan-favorite holiday characters along with returning seasonal flavors, including a Holiday Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato, a Turkey Dinner Sandwich, Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb, and Grinch-themed treats like Grinch Cookies, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich and a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb. At Universal CityWalk, guests can also enjoy the all-new Letters to Santa Holiday Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – complete with coquito ice cream, dulce de leche and a chocolate Christmas card.
The whimsical Holidays celebration continues with this year’s newly themed Tribute Store, “Universal Tribute Store and Post,” which captures the warm spirit of gift giving during the holiday season. The post office-themed store includes three rooms inspired by the Hogsmeade Owl Post, Who-ville Post Office and Earl’s Garage Delivery Hub – full of seasonal treats and merchandise like Christmas at Hogwarts sweatshirts and an interactive snowy owl plush, a Grinch plush backpack and popcorn bucket, an Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and plush, and so much more.
Guests can keep the festivities going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverage and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and feature holiday feasts and activities the whole family can enjoy, including special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, plus menorah lightings and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers.
Access to Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. Florida residents can now take advantage of the “Buy a Day, Get a 2nd Day Free on a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket” and spend two days celebrating the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of a one-day ticket. Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include access to Universal Volcano Bay. Plus, Florida residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders looking to add a Universal hotel to their holiday getaway can save 40% on all rooms on select dates throughout the holiday season (restrictions apply).
Guests can also ring in the new year across the destination – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and select venues at Universal CityWalk will be open after midnight on New Year’s Eve for the festivities.
Ready to plan your holiday visit to Universal Orlando? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!
Exciting news fellow Disney fans-it seems like our favorite playful purple dragon, Figment, has been spotted at none other than Walt Disney Studios. While we can’t confirm any official reason for the visit just yet, this sighting has sparked speculations about the possibility of a Figment movie in the works!
Based on this info being shared on at least two different official Disney accounts, it is obvious Disney is trying to tease an upcoming Figment project. The most likely connection is an upcoming Figment movie. Disney has successfully adapted their theme park attractions into films in the past, and Figment’s unique character and imaginative world could provide fertile ground for a captivating cinematic adventure.
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!
First Look at some of the New Offerings Coming to Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs
Summer House on the Lake will be opening this winter in Disney Springs. It will be the fourth location of the California-inspired restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, joining existing locations in Chicago, IL. and North Bethesda, MD., and Las Vegas, NV. From the decor to menu, here are four exciting things guests can look forward to at Summer House on the Lake.
Summer House on the Lake will introduce the brand’s first-ever “Cookie Bar,” featured front and center at the restaurant’s entrance. The Cookie Bar will serve a variety of the restaurant’s beloved oversized cookies, bars, and other sweet specials. Guests can indulge in flavors like Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, Oatmeal Scotchie, Apple Oatmeal and Vegan Snickerdoodle, as well as rotating seasonal flavors.
The bar will offer a selection of coffee, wine and beer on draft, as well as specialty cocktails such as the Tropical Dreams with vodka, Pamplemousse liqueur, and habanero honey, all available to enjoy at the restaurant or take to-go around Disney Springs. Guests will also be able to purchase a bottle of the restaurant’s own private-label wine, Summer House Rosé, to take home with them.
Insta-worthy Rosé Cart and Summery Sips
Another reminder that it’s always summer at Summer House is the Rosé Cart. Summer House on the Lake’s Rosé Cart will offer more than six varieties of rosé by the glass or bottle, including the restaurant’s star Summer House Rosé, made in partnership with California-based BonAnno Wines. The Summer House Rosé serves as a standout in the robust rosé program, offering a delicate and floral taste with tart cherries and watermelon, complementary to the lively and fresh menu and representative of the restaurant’s overall beverage approach. A selection of spritzes, summery cocktails (including zero-proof options), fresh juices, and a largely California-sourced wine list add to the laidback West Coast vibes.
Cali-Mex Weekend Brunch
Summer House on the Lake’s West Coast-inspired menu will feature celebrated favorites and signature items exclusive to Disney Springs. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with options including: Mexican Hash Browns; Breakfast Pizza with applewood bacon, a sunny side up egg and parmesan cream; and Breakfast Tostadas.
Fluffy pancakes and waffles, salads, and sandwiches will also be available, alongside a selection of other items from the lunch and dinner menus. Guests can also expect seasonal salads, artisan pizzas and entrees like Herbed Chicken Paillard and local Grouper Fish ‘n’ Chips with malt vinegar fries and tartar sauce. An extensive kids menu will be available all day – with a choice of vegetables or fries on the side.
California-Cool Design
Summer House’s design brings the beauty of a summer day indoors, welcoming guests to enjoy sweeping views and a relaxing lakeside breeze. The space, which boasts three bars, an airy, natural light-filled dining room centered around a lush tree reaching toward a skylight, and greenery throughout, was designed in collaboration with renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group.
Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor dining, Summer House offers both freestanding tables and banquettes ideal for families and large groups. An iconic centerpiece of each Summer House location that will be included at Summer House on the Lake is the bright blue “YES” sign located in the dining room. It symbolizes the entire team’s commitment to “saying yes” to the guest, making each dining experience a memorable one.
Are you looking forward to dining at Summer House on the Lake when it opens?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World, 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.
Sneak Peek at New Starter Decks for Rise of the Floodborn
It’s no secret that we are enamored with the hit Strategy Card Game Disney Lorcana. We have been playing this game nonstop since its launch in August, and we got a chance to preview the two single-player starter decks from the upcoming Rise of the Floodborn Expansion set. The first expansion will launch at local games stores on November 17th, and in larger retail locations on December 1st.
Bringing together Disney’s century of storytelling experience and Ravensburger’s 140 years of games excellence, Disney Lorcana is the world’s most welcoming trading card game (TCG) and the ultimate Disney collectible.
Here, two or more players become “Illumineers” and wield magical inks to summon a team of Disney characters known as glimmers, who appear in both familiar and fantastical ways. Players explore the realm of Lorcana alongside their teams of glimmers as they race to be the first to collect 20 “lore.”
In each game, players will play characters, actions, and items from their hands and choose whether to have their characters “quest” for lore or challenge opponents to slow them down. So let’s discuss how these new starter decks set players up for entrance into this game.
Tactical Teamwork (Amber / Sapphire) We play tested this deck in several games and we love the synergy between our Amber Seven Dwarves Cards. All of the Dwarves can be inked, and the most expensive of the dwarves is Happy with a cost of 5. We are in love with “The Queen” who can help support other cards during a challenge. This deck looks competitive straight away, and with Sapphire helping control the action, Tactical Teamwork seems a ferocious deck for both casual play and competitive games. Judy Hops can help keep opponents items at bay and the Gumbo Pot will give your Dwarves a little help in the healing department. Check out the full card list below:
Might and Magic. Amethyst glimmers like Merlin and Madam Mim take center stage and will have your opponents off balance the entire game. Steel cards continue to menace in this Starter Deck with powerhouse cards like Kronk: Junior Chipmunk packing some punch with 4 Strength and 5 Willpower. However, he can resist 1 damage done, so he’s going to be hard to banish in a challenge outright. Same goes for Tiana: Celebrating Princess who resists for 2 with a Willpower of 4. Nobody knows how the Meta Game will change with the addition of incredible cards in Floodborn, but both of these decks can handle themselves without any tweaks.
Amethyst
3x Chip the Teacup – Gentle Soul
2x Dr. Facilier – Savvy Opportunist
3x HeiHei – Persistent Presence
3x Kuzco – Wanted Llama
1x Madam Mim – Fox
3x Madam Mim – Snake
2x Merlin – Crab
3x Merlin – Goat
1x Merlin – Rabbit
1x Merlin -Shapeshifter
2x Merlin – Squirrel
2x Freeze*
2x I’m Stuck
Steel
2x Beast – Forbidding Recluse
2x Benja – Guardian of the Dragon Gem
2x Cinderella – Knight in Training
2x Eli La Bouff – Big Daddy
2x Hercules – Hero in Training
1x Kronk – Junior Chipmunk
2x Lawrence – Jealous Manservant
3x Lilo – Galactic Hero*
2x Prince Eric – Dashing and Brave*
3x Prince Naveen – Penniless Royal
1x The Huntsman – Reluctant Enforcer
2x The Prince – Never Gives Up
1x Tiana – Celebrating Princess
3x Tiana – Diligent Waitress
2x Last Cannon
2x Mouse Armor
Ravensburger delivers continued excellence with the Starter Decks. We owned all three Starter Decks from The First Chapter and found them to be both competitive and fun to play. We entered two local tournaments and won the first and placed second in another. So you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a splash at your local game shop. MSRP on both Starter Decks is US $16.99 / CAN $21.99.
Each deck includes everything you need to start playing against another player. Each Player must have their own deck, so purchase both of them if you want to have a player versus-player game in your own household. Both decks contain 60 cards, damage counters, a paper playmat, player tracker tokens, a rule set, and one boost pack of randomized cards.
Booster packs will also be available at your local games store to help you customize either one of these decks to suit your play style and strategy. Booster Packs retail for MSRP US $5.99 / CAN $7.99 and contain 12 randomized cards.
We own all three original Starter Decks from The First Chapter, and we love both Might and Magic and Tactical Teamwork. My daughter and I trade various decks and play every single night. Tabletop gaming and card gaming have become our favorite family pastimes. The best part about Disney Lorcana is that the game is scalable to add additional players, so the entire family can get in on the action; so we recommend purchasing all five available starter decks if possible.
We can’t wait to run to our local games store on Friday to pick up more booster packs and we are on the lookout for additional items like the Illumineer’s Trove, playmats, deck boxes, and card sleeves inspired by the artwork of Rise of the Floodborn.
If you are not looking to become a player, Rise of the Floodborn features more than 200 original cards with brand-new artwork and is highly collectible. The set will be released on November 17, 2023, at local game stores and Disney Parks, and then more broadly on December 1, 2023, at mass retailers and on shopDisney.
There are two sizes available and you even choose the color and if you want generic brand or Stanley tumbler. Is fully laser engraved with Cinderella castle, fireworks and beloved Disney characters all around, super cute!
New Mickey Mouse 95th Anniversary Plush Now At shopDisney!
Let’s celebrate! This new Mickey Mouse 95th Anniversary Plush is available now online at shopDisney for $29.99, you just have to sign in with your Disney+ account and get yours early. A great way to celebrate Mickey’s birthday this November 18!
This soft plush was developed by Disney Store Japan! A special Mickey plush edition that is stylishly dressed in a black velvet tuxedo and removable magnetic top hat, plus simulated patent leather shoes, satin spats, bowtie, cummerbund and trims. Minnie’s sure to be impressed!
The number of dates with available tickets for More Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party seems to be getting smaller by the day!
We previously reported on several dates for this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party being sold out. Even MORE dates have sold out since then, and the number of sold-out dates now outnumbers the number of dates with available tickets!
The magic of the holiday season at Disney has always been a draw for visitors of all ages. This year, the excitement is palpable, with many dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party already sold out. Here’s a quick glance at the sold-out dates:
Book in Advance: With the popularity of the event, it’s crucial to book your tickets as early as possible.
Plan Your Visit: Check the event schedule to make the most of parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Dress for the Occasion: Embrace the festive spirit with holiday-themed attire.
Arrive Early: To make the most of your time, arrive early and plan your activities.
If you’re considering attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year, act fast to secure your spot before all of the tickets are gone!
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!
It can hold 18 k-cups and is available in wood or pvc in a variety of colors. You can also choose to the bow color you prefer plus make it solid or with polka dots. Super cute addition for any coffee lover!
Mickey And Friends Holiday Loungefly Collection Spotted At Walt Disney World!
If you are visiting Walt Disney World soon, you have to check out the Mickey And Friends Holiday Loungefly Collection featuring a light up Loungefly backpack and matching ear headband for a look filled with holiday cheer and Disney magic!
This festive backpack features characters like Santa Mickey Mouse, Mrs. Santa Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Simba and Stitch with Christmas tree that also lights up! At the top you can see Stitch’s star speeder slides up, and on the sides you will find Alice and the Cheshire Cat, as well as, Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
The back features Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Bambi, Thumper, and Genie opening presents on Christmas day!
The ear headband features Mickey and Minnie on each ear in their holiday attire in the middle of Christmas wreaths with colorful light bulbs that actually light up! It also features a puffy satin red bow and green faux leather headband.
New Disney Classics Holiday MagicBand+ Spotted At Magic Kingdom!
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your wrist with this new Disney Classics Holiday MagicBand+ we found at Magic Kingdom for $44.99, you can also get yours online at shopDisney! A perfect new accessory for your visit to Disney World this holiday season.
The MagicBand+ is black and features beloved Disney characters along the band like Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, Stitch, Genie, Cheshire Cat, Bambi, Thumper, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Alice, Simba, and Stitch plus holiday icons. The tappable icon features a Mickey Mouse ornament for an extra festive touch!
You can take a closer look at this MagicBand in our Instagram post:
