New Big Ben Popcorn Bucket Debuting for the Opening of Fantasy Springs
Tokyo DisneySea is celebrating the Fantasy Springs Debut with an enchanting popcorn bucket! The Big Ben popcorn bucket is every Peter Pan fan’s dream bucket.
This unique souvenir features the iconic Big Ben clock tower, but with a whimsical twist – scenes from Never Land, including Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and Tick-Tock the Crocodile, adorn the sides!
The bucket lights up to reveal Peter Pan and the Darling children landing on its arms. Tinker Bell adds a touch of pixie dust, seemingly perched on the carrying strap.
Availability:
Sold starting May 28th at Tokyo DisneySea (Fantasy Springs opens June 6th)
Price: ¥3200
Locations: Popcorn wagon in Adventureland (initially), later at Fantasy Springs
Other fun merchandise will be available to purchase as well.
Disneyland $1.9 Billion Expansion APPROVED by Anaheim City Council
Great news for Disneyland fans! The Anaheim City Council gave initial approval to the DisneylandForward project on Tuesday with a unanimous vote. The proposal will require a second vote for final approval at the May 7 City Council meeting. If passed again, the plan would be implemented 30 days later.
The City Council’s meeting agenda described Disney’s request as:
“The applicant, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. (Disney), requests approval of the proposed DisneylandForward Project (DEV2021-00069) (Proposed Project) to allow continued, long-term growth of The Disneyland Resort. The Proposed Project would allow the transfer of uses permitted under The Disneyland Resort Project to other areas of The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (DRSP) No. 92-1 and the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (ARSP) No. 92-2 owned or leased by Disney or other subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company (Disney Properties). It would also allow future streamlined review of Disney projects in these areas.”
Anaheim is also mulling transferring control of Magic Way to Disney. The company has offered $40 million for Magic Way, Hotel Way, and a portion of Clementine Street. After a three-year process that included information sharing and public workshops in October 2023, January and February 2024, the Anaheim Planning Commission greenlit the DisneylandForward proposal on March 11th. Following a community open house on April 10th, the proposal went before the Anaheim City Council for a vote.
Under the DisneylandForward proposal, Disney has pledged a whopping $2.5 billion investment into the Disneyland Resort. This commitment includes an initial $1.9 billion spent within the first decade. Additionally, the proposal incorporates significant community benefits: $30 million dedicated to affordable housing initiatives, $10 million earmarked for sewer system upgrades along Katella Avenue, and $8 million allocated to Anaheim parks.
Upon final approval, DisneylandForward grants Disney the flexibility to develop new themed lands, resort hotels, and other attractions within its existing property. This exciting prospect was fueled earlier this month at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with the reveal of concept art for a brand new “Avatar” experience.
While specific details about future attractions remain under wraps, Disney has previously hinted at incorporating popular franchises like Tron, Tangled, Peter Pan, Black Panther, Coco, Frozen, Toy Story, and Zootopia. This suggests a diverse range of potential additions to the resort in the coming years.
Planning a Disneyland trip can be overwhelming! Take the stress out of it and let a free Disney expert help. Travel agents like me can handle everything from booking your resort and tickets to creating magical itineraries, all at no extra cost to you. Contact me today to start planning your dream vacation!
Club runDisney, the official membership program for runners participating in Disney race weekends, recently announced changes to its membership structure via an email sent to members.
Effective in 2025, Club runDisney memberships will transition to a traditional calendar year format, running from January 1st to December 31st. Previously, memberships ran from October 1st through September 30th of the following year.
To ease the transition for current members, all existing Club runDisney memberships will be automatically extended for three months, free of charge. This extension ensures current memberships remain valid through December 31, 2024.
The complimentary extension offers additional benefits to current Gold and Platinum members participating in the upcoming 2024 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (October 31 – November 4). Gold members will receive early access to the runDisney Merchandise Shop, allowing them to snag coveted race weekend souvenirs before anyone else. Platinum members will enjoy exclusive access to Club runDisney Headquarters, offering expedited bib pick-up and the opportunity to secure coveted early start group placement for their race.
The next runDisney race weekend on the calendar is the 2024 Walt Disney World Springtime Surprise Weekend. While this falls outside the extended membership window, runners can still consider joining Club runDisney before the 2025 season kicks off to gain access to a year of special benefits and early registration opportunities for all upcoming races.
Universal Orlando has confirmed the temporary closure of Fast & Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida. Get ready to hit the brakes for a few months, because this high-octane attraction will be out of commission from August 19th through November 3rd, 2024.
This closure coincides with the upcoming Halloween Horror Nights event. Previously, Fast & Furious: Supercharged remained operational during the day but went dark during HHN hours. This year, Universal Orlando is opting to close the ride for the duration of the event, likely to allow for a refurbishment period while the line queue will double as a Halloween Horror Nights house entrance.
As of now, the ride is slated to re-open in early November, just in time for the busy holiday season. Stay tuned to the Chip and Co website and social media feeds for more information as they become available!
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!
The newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris has unveiled a crown jewel fit for royalty (or at least those who dream of it) – the Signature Suites. These incredible spaces transport guests directly into the heart of beloved Disney classics, offering a truly unforgettable stay.
Set Designer Sophie Coudré, a veteran of Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, recently shared the collaborative spirit that brought these dreams to life. Imagineers worked closely with Disney Animation’s Creative Legacy team and the Walt Disney Animation Research Library to ensure each suite captures the essence of its respective film.
The Signature Suites pay homage to five cherished Disney stories:
Sleeping Beauty: Step into a world of medieval grandeur, inspired by Aurora’s story and featuring a breathtaking recreation of her iconic pink and blue dress.
Cinderella: Live out a Cinderella dream in a suite reminiscent of her charming chateau, complete with a hidden nod to her famous glass slipper.
Beauty and the Beast: Be our guest in a suite inspired by Belle’s timeless tale, where you might just encounter the Beast’s enchanted rose.
Tangled: Explore the world of Rapunzel in a vibrant suite, featuring a replica of her magical Sundrop flower.
Frozen: Embark on a wintry adventure in a suite reminiscent of Arendelle, adorned with a stunning snowflake-inspired stained-glass window.
The magic goes beyond iconic elements! Each suite boasts beautiful artwork inspired by the films, meticulously crafted in the style of each animation masterpiece. This collaboration between Imagineering and Disney Animation ensures a truly authentic experience.
The artistry doesn’t stop there. Sophie emphasizes the importance of local artisans in the creation process. Traditional French techniques are woven throughout the suites, from the sculpted glass slipper and Beast’s rose to the tapestries reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Sophie encourages guests to explore every nook and cranny of these enchanting suites. From details embedded in the furniture to hidden characters like Cinderella’s mice and Pascal’s dress, there’s always something new to discover. For Sophie, a personal highlight is the “Sleeping Beauty” suite, a chance to relive childhood memories surrounded by Aurora’s story.
The Signature Suites are just one reason why Disneyland Hotel is a must-stay for any Disney fan. With hidden Imagineering details and experiences designed especially for children, the magic truly comes alive. So, book your stay and prepare to step into your favorite Disney fairytale!
It features a geometric design with paw prints in orange and red tones with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa in the middle and the famous “Hakuna Matata” phrase! A must have in your home for sure.
You can personalized these keychains with your name, location, and even choose glitter or not! They are a great little piece of magic to add to your keys or bag, and remind you of happy times at the most magical place on Earth!
They feature an all over pattern of Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa plus big leaves. The sole shows blue paw prints all around to track the path. They are adorable and a must have for a comfy and relax style.
Pain & Panic Attacked This Hercules Madly Mischievous Bust by Lewis Whitman!
Our Greek demigod went from hero to zero in this Hercules Madly Mischievous Bust by Lewis Whitman! Hades’ henchmen are the ones to blame for this mischievous prank, even though it also adds a pop of color, so we are not too mad about it.
We found this bust at Hollywood Studios for $79.99, so if you are looking for a piece of art of add to your home, this one is a great option!
The bust features Hercules all sculpted on top of a Greek pedestal that has been a victim of painterly tagging by Pain & Panic, splashing purple and blue paint all around and leaving their signature on the chest.
You can take a closer look at this bust in our Instagram post:
Celebrate Your Special Moment With This Stitch Birthday Cake Pandora Charm!
Looking for the perfect charm to commemorate your special day? This Stitch Birthday Cake Pandora Charm is exactly what you are looking for! We found this galactic accessory at Hollywood Studios but you can also order yours at the Pandora website for $85.
The charm is crafter in sterling silver and features Stitch in silver with purple details on his ears sitting behind a pink birthday cake. If you turn this charm around, you will find “Aloha, Happy Birthday” text engraved to add an extra festive touch!
Definitely a whimsical charm to add magic to your birthday! You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:
There’s a brand new swing set resident at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and it’s cause for global celebration! A critically endangered Bornean Orangutan, a precious baby girl, was recently born at the park, marking a significant milestone in Orangutan conservation efforts.
This tiny miracle arrived on April 13th via cesarean section, weighing in at a petite three pounds and four ounces. Luna, the mama Orangutan, is recovering well under the watchful eyes of a dedicated team of medical and zoological professionals. Soon, once both Luna and her newborn are healthy and stable, they’ll be reunited and begin their precious journey together.
Bornean Orangutans, the largest arboreal ape species, are sadly classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations have plummeted due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. This successful birth at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a testament to the park’s dedication to the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). These programs are vital for the conservation of vulnerable species, ensuring their well-being in accredited facilities and educating the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
Want to be part of the heartwarming story of Luna and her baby? Follow Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on social media for updates on their progress! You might even get a glimpse of this adorable new addition swinging through her habitat in the near future!
Dust off your neon legwarmers and crank up the synth beats, Universal Orlando Passholders! A trip back to the radical era of the 80s is on the horizon, fueled by an exclusive Passholder button and the epic return of Passholder Bonus Benefits.
This exciting news comes courtesy of a recent tease from Universal Orlando, hinting at the button’s release as part of the upcoming Passholder Bonus Benefits program in May.
The beloved Passholder Bonus Benefits program is making a grand return from May 1st to 24th. Get ready for a month packed with extra perks to sweeten your theme park experience.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect during Passholder Bonus Benefits:
Special Entrances: Enjoy the convenience of special entrances for select attractions, saving you valuable time waiting in line.
Exclusive Dining: Indulge in exclusive dining locations, offering unique menus and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Special Discounts: Take advantage of special discounts on merchandise, dining, and more throughout the parks.
And More!: Universal Orlando is keeping the details under wraps for now, but there’s sure to be even more exciting surprises in store!
Universal Orlando is keeping the specifics of the 80’s Passholder button and any potential 80s-themed events under wraps for now. Keep your eyes peeled on the Chip and Co. website and social media feeds for further details on Passholder Bonus Benefits and the groovy 80’s Passholder button!
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!
