Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny have officially hopped back into Magic Kingdom for the 2024 Easter season! Visitors to the park can meet this adorable duo at the “Bunny Lane Garden,” located at the Enchanted Glade Gazebo in Liberty Square. This special meet-and-greet opportunity is a must for anyone looking to add a touch of magic to their Easter celebrations.
Guests who visit Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny will receive a complimentary autograph card. The front of the card features a cheerful “Happy Easter!” message along with the iconic Magic Kingdom logo. On the back, you’ll find the signatures of Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny themselves—a special keepsake to remember your magical encounter.
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!
Star Wars Celebrates 25th Anniversary The Phantom Menace” with Theatrical Re-release
Lucasfilm is commemorating the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” with a special theatrical re-release starting on May 3. Fans can purchase tickets now for screenings happening everywhere tickets are sold.
In addition to reliving “The Phantom Menace” on the big screen, viewers will enjoy an exclusive preview of “Star Wars: The Acolyte.” This highly anticipated Disney+ series, set around 100 years before “The Phantom Menace,” is set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ on June 4.
And…on May 4, in honor of both the film’s anniversary and the Star Wars fan holiday, fans will have the opportunity to see all nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga in theaters for a premium marathon event.
Did you see the video of Star Wars Taking Over the Empire State Building in New York City from earlier this week in honor of Star Wars Day? Check it out below!
Dollywood Parks & Resorts has achieved a significant milestone by being named a recipient of the prestigious 2024 USA Today Top Workplaces USA award. This recognition places Dollywood at the 86th position on the national list among organizations with more than 2,500 employees. Notably, Dollywood stands out as the sole representative from the theme park industry to secure a spot on this esteemed list.
The Top Workplaces program, with a commendable 15-year history, conducts extensive surveys encompassing over 20 million employees to identify and honor top organizations across 60 markets with regional Top Workplaces awards. Top Workplaces USA specifically celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees renowned for fostering exceptional workplace cultures. A staggering 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey, making this recognition highly competitive and significant.
The accolade is a testament to Dollywood’s commitment to cultivating a positive work environment and prioritizing employee satisfaction and engagement. The Top Workplaces USA award is based solely on feedback gathered from employees through an employee engagement survey conducted over 12 months in 2023.
As Dollywood Parks & Resorts continues to experience rapid growth and expansion, the recognition as a Top Workplace further reinforces the company’s strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and fostering a thriving organizational culture. This recognition not only showcases Dollywood as an exemplary workplace but also positions it as an attractive destination for top talent seeking to be part of a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.
“The awards we’ve received during the last several years really are humbling,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “We take pride in our host culture, and we seek to provide our team with great benefits that show them we appreciate the work they do to make Dollywood the most unique and welcoming theme park experience in the entire world. When you consider that the results of this award are derived from survey results of our own hosts, it illustrates their belief in our host culture and their pride in the place they work.”
Energage, a purpose-driven organization that develops solutions to help build top workplaces, administers the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 “culture drivers” that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Dollywood’s award-winning host experience translates directly to the guest experience. In December 2023, Forbes ranked Dollywood Parks & Resorts in the top 1% (#27) or more than 3,000 US brands rated for exemplary customer service. Dollywood was the second-highest ranked travel company on the Forbes Best Customer Service 2024 list, placing two spots behind Hawaiian Airlines. The only other theme park in the top 300 was Legoland parks (#179).
Positions are available on several teams including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams, park operations positions including ticketing, transportation, house and grounds, and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s lodging properties also have a number of openings available including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.
Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, and complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.
Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates Duffy & Friends at Ultimate Fan Festival
Fans of Duffy & Friends can celebrate those characters at Hong Kong Disneyland now through June 10! Guests can see Duffy and his friends dressed in all new outfits, experience the new “The Joy of Sharing” show, CookieAnn’s “Sharing is Sweet” surprise moment, the return of “StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet” and more!
Dressed in outfits inspired by Duffy and Friends, fans from far and wide gathered to kick off the festivities and spread their love for Duffy and his friends. They were invited to be some of the first to immerse themselves into the Duffy Fans-tasy. Let’s take a look at what they experienced and get all the details for when you arrive at the resort for your own Duffy and Friends journey!
New Entertainment
Set in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams, fans sang and danced along with Duffy and his friends as they enjoyed the all-new Duffy and Friends “The Joy of Sharing” show! In their new spring-themed outfits, the performance was a cheerful montage of color set to an upbeat musical score.
And over at Duffy and Friends Play House, the literal dream home for any Duffy and Friends fan, they met Duffy, ShellieMay, StellaLou, Gelatoni, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel and LinaBell.
CookieAnn even whipped up a special “Sharing is Sweet” surprise moment featuring her friends. During their visit to Duffy and Friends Play House, some fans couldn’t help but showcase their fandom through their rare collections and hand-made themed accessories.
And while fans will have to wait until April 5, “StellaLou’s Wonderful Wishes Ballet,” which first debuted last year, is worth the wait. This heartwarming story sees StellaLou overcome challenges and achieve her dreams of putting on a recital — all with the help of her good friends, Duffy, LinaBell and Gelatoni.
Adorable Decor
Fans couldn’t help but notice the incredible Duffy floral, right at the Main Street Train Station, followed by sculptures of Duffy and his seven friends in Town Square! And when they stepped foot into Duffy and Friends Play House, they were wow-ed by the all-new decorations that are just perfect for spring.
Delicious Treats and Must-Have Goodies
Let’s face it, good food is a must during festive times! Fans were first to try out all the tasty treats including the Hokkaido 5.0 Milk with White Peach Flavored Soft Serve, CookieAnn’s Waffle Marshmallow and the seven different colors of Duffy and Friends Donuts. Talk about yummy!
And like any true Duffy and Friends fan, you’re always looking to up your merch game. With new plushes in spring outfits, apparel, homeware and more, the Duffy and Friends Spring Series makes for the best keepsake.
Celebrate D23 Day at Disneyland Resort this August
A new D23 event is coming this fall! Disney fans can celebrate D23 Day at Disneyland on August 8, 2024. This event is part of this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event taking place in Anaheim.
Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will welcome ticketed D23 fans from rope drop to late night! Disneyland Park guests can enjoy a custom cavalcade and an energetic dance party. At both theme parks, guests will find special photo opportunities and more!
As part of D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, Disney Junior will host a lively, fun-filled celebration for preschoolers and their families at Disney California Adventure Park on Thursday, August 8. Afterward, Disney Junior festivities can be enjoyed from Friday, August 9, through Sunday, August 11, at the Downtown Disney District.
But wait, there’s more… Starting Sunday, August 4, through Sunday, August 11, at the Downtown Disney District, guests will find special offers, décor, and magical moments. Guests do not need a separate reservation or admission to enjoy Downtown Disney District.
All guests with a valid theme park admission and reservation—including D23 members and D23 event attendees—are invited to this resort-wide celebration.
Admission to both theme parks is available for purchase to all Disney fans. Regular theme park admission prices apply, and both theme park admission and park reservations will be required for park entry for every park guest.
Are you planning on attending D23 Day at Disneyland? Contact me today to get your trip booked! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
More Details and Ticket Info Revealed for Star Wars’ Celebration Japan
Star Wars Celebration is set to return to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, from April 18 to April 20, 2025. This event marks the first Star Wars Celebration held in Japan since 2008, welcoming fans of all ages from across the globe to unite and experience the iconic cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars!
Lucasfilm Ltd. and ReedPop unveiled the key art for Star Wars Celebration Japan on StarWars.com. The 2025 key art draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese ink painting style, sumi-e, showcasing Darth Vader’s imposing figure amidst stunning cherry blossoms and bold ink strokes. The foreground highlights iconic Star Wars elements like X-Wings, TIE Fighters, and Imperial AT-ATs, while the Rising Sun, encapsulating Mount Fuji, adds a captivating finish to the artwork.
Tickets for Star Wars Celebration will be available starting Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. EST (U.S. Time) and Friday, May 3, at 8 a.m. JST (Japan Time). Travel packages will also be offered for non-local fans planning to attend. Star Wars Celebration promises an exhilarating experience filled with the excitement of new films, television series, books, art, and comics, as well as a celebration of the extensive history of the ever-evolving Star Wars universe. The event spans three full days and includes major announcements, immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, appearances by celebrity guests, engaging panels, autograph sessions, captivating costumes, and many more Star Wars surprises!
First Look at the Teaser Trailer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
“The Juice is Loose!” On Thursday, Warner Bros released the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the beloved 1988 movie. This sequel features the return of Tim Burton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Michael Keaton’s memorable ghost character. Scheduled for release on September 6, the teaser followed the earlier unveiling of the film’s first images, creating excitement for its upcoming premiere.
In the sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Lydia finds herself dealing with new challenges as her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (played by Ortega), stumbles upon a mysterious model of the town in the attic. When Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife, chaos ensues in both realms. As tensions escalate, it’s only a matter of time before someone unwittingly calls Beetlejuice’s name three times, prompting the mischievous Beetlejuice to return and wreak havoc with his unique brand of mayhem!
Ortega, briefly featured in the teaser riding her bike over the town’s iconic wooden covered bridge from the first film, has also dropped hints about the sequel. She plays the role of Astrid, Lydia’s daughter and Delia’s granddaughter, portrayed by Ryder and O’Hara. Ortega mentioned that the sequel involves “a lot of catching up and putting the pieces together of what’s gone on in Lydia’s life since,” which she believes will be a treat for fans who love the character and are eager to see her again. Check out the trailer to Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!
Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk is set to welcome a new addition to its lineup of enchanting eateries: The Cake Bake Shop. This whimsical bakery and restaurant is currently in the final stages of preparation for its grand opening, and in anticipation, a hiring event has been scheduled to build the perfect team to bring the magic to life.
Those interested in joining the Cake Bake Shop team can attend open interviews on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, March 26: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, March 28: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 30: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The interviews will take place at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS®, located at 13295 Hartzog Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
Available positions being considered at the hiring event include Host, Servers, Bartenders, Dishwashers, Line Cooks, Savory Supervisors, Savory Sous Chefs, Pastry Sous Chefs, Bakery Associates, Bakers, Decorators, French Pastry Cooks, Prep Cooks, Cookie Decorators, Pastry Supervisors, and Pastry Managers.
The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk is poised to become a must-visit destination for both Disney guests and locals alike. With its hiring event, the shop is one step closer to opening its doors and sharing its delectable creations with the world.
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 Genie+ Highest Price of 2024 at Walt Disney World TODAY!
Disney Genie+ service has surged to its highest price point yet, marking a significant increase since its introduction in October 2021. As the theme park enters a traditionally bustling period, Disney has adjusted prices to meet the surge in demand.
Originally launched at $15, the Genie+ service now stands at $39 for the Multi-Park and Magic Kingdom options, reflecting the highest price seen since New Year’s Eve of 2023. This price hike aligns with the peak season at Walt Disney World, where visitors flock to experience the magic of the parks.
Specifically, the prices for Genie+ at individual parks have also seen notable increases: Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now priced at $29, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at $35, and EPCOT at $32. These adjusted prices are expected to remain in effect throughout the week, catering to the heightened demand during this busy period.
It’s worth noting that while Genie+ prices have surged, Individual Lightning Lane attraction purchases have maintained their maximum levels without accompanying price hikes. This distinction underscores Disney’s strategy to manage demand and optimize guest experiences during peak times.
Disney Genie+ offers guests access to Lightning Lane queues at select attractions, streamlining the ride experience. For certain headline attractions not included in Genie+, guests can opt for Individual Attraction purchases, with prices varying based on the attraction.
Hello, fellow Disney+ subscribers and fans! Prepare for an exhilarating journey as Disney+ unveils its latest schedule for April 2024, promising a delightful mix of old favorites and exciting new additions. Get ready to dive into a world of entertainment with some delightful surprises along the way!
Wish In “Wish,” Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) – Episode 310 “Identity Crisis” and Episode 311 “Point of No Return” Clone Force 99’s battle to survive the newly formed Empire comes to an epic conclusion.
X-Men ’97 – Episode 4 “X-Men ’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
Sunday, April 7
Bluey (Season 3) – New Episode Premiere “Ghostbasket” A brand new Bluey episode! Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.
Wednesday, April 10
– Firebuds (S2, 4 episodes) – The Incredible Dr. Pol (S24, 10 episodes) – Shorts Spectacular (S2, 3 episodes) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) – Episode 312 “Juggernaut” Clone Force 99’s battle to survive the newly formed Empire comes to an epic conclusion.
X-Men ’97 – Episode 5 “X-Men ’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
Sunday, April 14
Bluey (Season 3) – New Special Premiere – Extended-Length Special “The Sign” (28 minutes) A brand new Bluey episode, “The Sign” marks “Bluey’s” longest-ever episode. Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighborhood into her world of fun.
Wednesday, April 17
– Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet (S12, 14 episodes) – Drain the Oceans (S6, 6 episodes) – PJ Masks: Power Heroes (S1, 8 episodes) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) – Episode 313 “Into the Breach” Clone Force 99’s battle to survive the newly formed Empire comes to an epic conclusion.
X-Men ’97 – Episode 6 “X-Men ’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
Monday, April 22
– Secrets of the Octopus (S1, 3 episodes)
Tiger – Premiere Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Disneynature’s “Tiger” lifts the veil on our planet’s most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India. Curious, rambunctious, and at times a bit clumsy, the cubs have a lot to learn from their savvy mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears, and marauding male tigers. Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan, and produced by Linfield, Berlowitz and Roy Conli, “Tiger” is the groundbreaking culmination of 1,500 days of filming. Combining fast-paced action with remarkably intimate moments, Disneynature’s all-new original feature film streams on Disney+ beginning on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.
Tiger on the Rise – Premiere Narrated by Blair Underwood, Disneynature’s “Tigers on the Rise” celebrates the remarkable comeback of one of the world’s most iconic animals. Tiger populations have rebounded so successfully, many of the big cats are venturing from India’s forest reserves into farms and villages—a monumental challenge for both people and animals. The heroes in this story are the vets, scientists, and community patrols dedicated to ensuring that tigers and people can coexist. Directed by Rob Sullivan, co-directed by Alistair Tones, and produced by Sullivan, Vanessa Berlowitz, Mark Linfield and Roy Conli, “Tigers on the Rise” begins streaming on Disney+ on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.
Wednesday, April 24
– Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition (S1, 11 episodes & S2, 12 episodes) – Bring It! (S6, 10 episodes) – Dance Moms: Abby’s Studio Rescue (S1, 7 episodes) – Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (S3, 5 episodes) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) – Episode 314 “Flash Strike” Clone Force 99’s battle to survive the newly formed Empire comes to an epic conclusion.
Donald’s Quacky Duck City Coming to Tokyo Disneyland this Spring
Donald’s Quacky Duck City is coming to Tokyo Disneyland from April 9 to June 30, 2024! During this time, Tokyo Disneyland will transform into Donald’s dream world.
In “Duck City”, the ideal town that Donald has dreamed up, Donald is a superstar no matter what! You can enjoy a park that has transformed into Donald’s ideal world, which is impossible in everyday life.
A unique and chaotic world unique to Donald’s ideal town “Duck City” opens up. Donald flowerbeds and a large Donald marquee welcome guests. In addition to the monument to superstar Donald in the center of World Bazaar, there will be unique decorations typical of Duck City everywhere.
There will also be a special parade: Quacky Celebration-Donald the Legend!
Disney friends wearing costumes in Donald’s colors of blue, white, and yellow, expressing their feelings for Donald, will come to celebrate Donald, a superstar in all fields, including the movie world and the chef world. . In this parade, “Pete”, who has been active since the early days of Walt Disney Animation Studios, will appear in the entertainment at Tokyo Disney Resort for the first time.
Ready to celebrate all things Donald at Tokyo Disneyland?
Cast Member to Guest Pin Trading Returning to Disney World
Pin trading is popular activity for Disney guests. Yesterday, Disney World shared that cast members will once again have their pin trading lanyards starting April 7, 2024!
Pin trading between Cast Members and Guests was suspended for over three years after the pandemic, resuming at Disney Springs in November 2023. Disney unveiled fresh pin trading boards and mystery boxes in 2021, and that has been the main way to trade at Disney World ever since.
Disney Parks announced on TikTok that Cast-to-Guest pin trading is set to resume on April 7, 2024. In the video, Cast Members proudly displayed their pin trading lanyards, which will include both traditional and crossbody styles showcasing pins available for trade.
Typically, guests can trade up to two pins either with a Cast Member or at a designated pin trading board.
Do you like to pin trade at the Disney parks?
Ready to plan your next visit to Disney World? Contact me today to start planning! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are FREE, and I’d love to help you plan a magical and stress-free vacation.
