New Beauty And The Beast Vera Bradley Collection Now At The Disney Store!
The most famous tale as told as time has been given a contemporary retelling with the new Beauty And The Beast Vera Bradley Collection now available online at the Disney Store!
Just like we shared a few days ago, the magical collection is here with tote bags, backpacks, duffels and more that will make any adventures in the great wide somewhere extra enchanting.
This backpack features an all over quilted pattern that includes Belle, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere and Cogsworth surrounded by flowers. In includes two side slip pockets, hidden back zip pocket, front zip pocket, padded laptop compartment for a 15″ computer, making it great to take to work or school!
The mini backpack is perfect to carry your essentials everywhere you go, it features a quilted light purple fabric with an embroidered design of Belle surrounded by flowers. Super cute!
Going away for the weekend? This duffle bag is a must have! It features a quilted design that includes Belle, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere and Cogsworth. It also comes with detachable, adjustable woven shoulder straps and trolley sleeve to add it to your carry on!
Tote bag are so in right now, this Vera Bradley one featuring an embroidered design of Belle reading her favorite book with floral and a bow detail is so cute! It comes with a zipper to protect your belonging and six interior slip pockets.
For those looking for a practical bag, this sling bag in dark purple is a great option! It features an all over floral print with Lumiere and Mrs. Potts.
Another great practical option is the belt bag, this one features the same dark purple all over pattern of Lumiere and Mrs. Potts, a zip main closure, adjustable woven belt and side release buckle.
Are you a fan of this new collection? We personally love it!
We have some great news for everyone planning a Disney trip! Disney World and Disneyland are making it easier to plan your meals during your visit. Thanks to an app update that was released overnight, you can now view all available reservation time slots for a restaurant for the entire day on DisneyWorld.com, Disneyland.com, and the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. An additional update is coming soon that will make booking your dining reservations on both coasts even easier!
Soon, you will be able to see dining availability for multiple days at a time. With just one search, you can check available dining reservations for any given restaurant for up to 10 days at a time. This will make scheduling dining reservations for your entire vacation much easier!
Here are some additional tips to make your dining experience even smoother:
At Walt Disney World, guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel can make reservations 60 days before arrival for their entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay). This means you can plan all your meals in one go, rather than checking availability day after day.
Guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort have preferred access to a limited number of reservations to dine at select Disneyland Resort hotel table-service restaurants during their stay. Just make sure to link your Disneyland Resort hotel confirmation to your Disneyland.com account to be eligible for this benefit!
And don’t worry if your plans change at the last minute. Thanks to an update made last year, you can change or cancel your reservation up to two hours before your scheduled time at most Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort locations. Some locations, however, may have different policies, so it’s always a good idea to check your restaurant’s dining policy ahead of your visit.
Stay tuned for the launch of the multiple-day dining availability search feature, and get ready to enjoy a hassle-free dining experience at Disney World and Disneyland!
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!
Southern Living Declares Dollywood is Better than any other Theme Park
Dollywood, the renowned theme park nestled in the heart of the South, is basking in a new accolade just in time for the grand opening ceremonies of its 39th season this week. Southern Living, a prominent lifestyle magazine, has bestowed upon Dollywood the honor of being recognized as one of the South’s Best Attractions in its prestigious 2024 The South’s Best awards. The article’s headline boldly declares, “Why Dollywood is Better Than Any Other Theme Park.”
The 2024 edition of Southern Living’s The South’s Best Awards features a diverse array of categories, celebrating excellence in cities, towns, food, drink, local treasures, islands, and more. Southern Living engaged its discerning readership in an online survey, conducted by the third-party agency Proof Insights, where over 20,000 respondents shared their opinions. The survey, held from July 12 to August 23, 2023, culminated in a comprehensive list of winners that reflects the Southern Living community’s favorites.
Dollywood finds itself in esteemed company as one of the best attractions in the South, alongside iconic names such as The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, and the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
This recognition not only solidifies Dollywood’s status as a premier destination but also highlights the park’s unique charm and appeal. As the park gears up for its 39th season, visitors can anticipate an even more extraordinary experience, enriched by the acknowledgment of Southern Living’s discerning readership. For those seeking the best of the South’s attractions, Dollywood stands out as a shining gem, offering a blend of entertainment, hospitality, and Southern charm that sets it apart from other theme parks.
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“The author of the article repeatedly mentioned how warm and welcoming the park was during her recent visit with her son,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “We are so happy to hear that; it is a common refrain among our guests. We believe the hosts who work here and the friendly atmosphere they provide for those who visit are what make the Dollywood experience unlike any other theme park in the world.
“Just last year, we earned Golden Ticket Awards for Best Park and for Best Guest Experience of any theme park in the world, and we also ranked number one and number two in the country by Tripadvisor the past two years. These awards and recognitions validate the efforts we place on providing the absolute best theme park experience anywhere. I think it is safe to say Dollywood has become the theme park everyone needs to put on their travel bucket list.”
Earlier this year, National Geographic named Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort as one of the top 22 hotels throughout the world for 2024. In December 2023, Forbes’ newly created Best Customer Service list ranked Dollywood in the top 1% (#27) of more than 3,000 rated US brands commonly recognized for exemplary customer service.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts boasts world-class roller coasters, award-winning entertainment, delectable Southern-inspired culinary options and one of the world’s “most beautiful water parks” all in a place where everyone feels like part of the family. Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and its sister property Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa truly have made Dollywood a leading vacation destination for families seeking a memory-making experience.
Dollywood opens this Friday (March 8) for season passholders and to the general public on Saturday (March 9). This season features the much-anticipated opening of The Dolly Parton Experience, which includes multiple experiences in a newly designed area of the park. Opening in the area surrounding and including the former Chasing Rainbows museum, The Dolly Parton Experience will allow guests a behind-the-scenes look at Dolly’s iconic status while they learn more about her incredible story. The area is scheduled to open in late May.
For more information about Dollywood Parks & Resorts, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
This March, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is bringing a touch of Irish charm to their menu with a delightful St. Patrick-inspired milkshake. The Choco-Mint Charm Shake, available now through March 25, is a minty masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Crafted with creamy mint vanilla ice cream and crunchy Oreo cookies, this shake is a blend of flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The chocolate drizzle adds a rich, decadent touch, while the whipped topping and magical marshmallows create a light, airy contrast. The finishing touch is a mint and fudge cookie, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
But the treats don’t stop there! If you’re planning a movie day at Universal Cinema, hang on to your ticket. When you bring your same-day ticket to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, you’ll receive 10% off your meal. This sweet deal is valid all day long and will continue through the summer.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just in need of a delicious pick-me-up, head over to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the Choco-Mint Charm Shake and enjoy a discount on your meal with your movie ticket. It’s the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your day!
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!
Monsters At Work Season 2 Premieres April 5th on the Disney Channel.
Welcome back to Monstropolis, where the laughter of children powers the city and the monsters that inhabit it. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the second season of Disney+’s beloved series “Monster at Work,” we find ourselves once again drawn into the mischievous world of our favorite scarers and their hilarious misadventures.
The EmmyⓇ-winning animated comedy series “Monsters at Work,” inspired by Disney and Pixar’s AwardⓇ-winning “Monsters, Inc.,” returns for season two with a special two-episode premiere on Friday, April 5 (8:00 p.m. EDT), on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Subsequent airings will move to Saturdays, with two new episodes launching each week beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT on both channels, leading up to the series’ streaming debut on Disney+ on Sunday, May 5.
Season two stars include Billy Crystal and John Goodman as beloved franchise favorites Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, respectively. Additional stars include Ben Feldman as Tylor Tuskmon, Mindy Kaling as Val Little, Henry Winkler as Fritz, Lucas Neff as Duncan and Alanna Ubach as Cutter.
Reprising their roles from the “Monsters, Inc.” franchise include Aubrey Plaza as Claire Wheeler, Nathan Fillion as Johnny Worthington III and Bobby Moynihan as Chet Alexander. Additional guest cast includes Jennifer Coolidge, Rhys Darby, Janelle James, Jenifer Lewis, Ali Wong, Bowen Yang, Paula Pell, Danny Pudi, Cody Rigsby, Jimmy Tatro, Danny Trejo, Joe Lo Truglio and Alan Tudyk.
Tylor’s journey as a Jokester and his friendship with Val face the ultimate test. When new doors of opportunity unexpectedly open at rival energy company, FearCo, Tylor’s co-workers at Monsters Inc. begin to question his loyalty. As his Laugh Floor partnership with Val is pushed to the brink, Tylor must discover where he really belongs.
Are you excited for the return of Monsters Inc to Disney+? Let us know your favorite scarer in a comment and check back for more updates on this show and other exciting new features from Disney and Pixar.
There are two special Magic Shots available just for the Food & Wine Festival. The first one features Remy from the Disney Pixar film Ratatouille. In the Magic Shot he wears a chef’s hat and holds a wooden spoon. It looks like you’ll find this shot in the World of Color seating area.
Over in Hollywood Land you’ll find a Magic Shot featuring a favorite Disney snack-the Mickey Pretzel! We’re all visiting the festival for the food, so it makes sense to have a snack featured in the photo op.
Both of these Magic Shots are available now through April 22.
Ready to experience the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival? Contact me today to plan your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are FREE.
Disney World Annual Passholders Can Save Up to 30% Off at the Swan & Dolphin Resort
A new special offer is available for Disney World Annual Passholders at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts! Passholders can save up to 30% off their next stay.
Disney Annual Pass Holders Save Up to 30% Off Regular Rates – ACT NOW, OFFER EXPIRES SOON!
Disney Annual Pass Holders receive a special discount to return and experience all that the Disney theme parks have to offer. The Swan & Dolphin are located within walking distance to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The terms and conditions for this special offer include:
Offer is valid at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
Discounted rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking.
A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates and additional restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Offer is for individual leisure travel and not valid for guests staying on a negotiated group rate.
Second room reservation must be under the same name as the first room and must have the same arrival and departure date.
If one room is cancelled, the lower rated CONNECT room must be cancelled. The hotel reserves the right to correct any errors made by guest on cancelling the higher rated room.
Basic room rates do not include additional per room per night charges that may be imposed or state/local taxes. The Resort Service Package is charged per room, per night.
Marriott reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.
Void where prohibited by law. Other restrictions may apply.
You can find all of the information for this special offer here.
First-ever projection mapped topiary debuts at EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
The first-ever projection mapped topiary has debuted at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! This new topiary is enhanced with special projection effects and is not to be missed.
The topiary can be seen in the Mexico pavilion and features Miguel, from the Pixar Animation Studios film “Coco.” Miguel can be seen here in his mariachi attire with his great-great grandfather’s guitar and Dante, in his alebrije form, flying over a marigold bridge.
“With the bright and vibrant colors we see from this realm in ‘Coco,’ it seemed like an obvious choice when Josh and Brittany proposed the idea of using projection mapping technology to enhance Dante’s look during the evening hours,” added Steven.
Brittany explained, “Once we decided to create Dante, I immediately began testing glowing materials, like solar-charged paint, and various effects to portray his ethereal glow. During the day, Dante looks like the rest of the topiary family. As the sun begins to set, guests should start to see hints of the solar-charged paint beginning to glow. At night, Dante’s glow will shine even brighter through the use of projection-mapping technology. Pushing contrast between day and night allows us to incorporate more lifelike elements into these characters, providing guests with an unexpected element of surprise in the evening.”
It takes a talented team of people coming together from various disciplines to bring these topiaries to life. “The collaboration between the teams has made it possible to push the envelope of creativity that allows us to produce these new innovative topiaries and help give that little added magical touch that we are known for,” Josh highlighted.
At the entrance of EPCOT, guests will be greeted by Asha, Valentino, and Star from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Wish.”
To authentically represent these characters, the team hand-wove Asha’s braids and incorporated lighting effects for Star’s celestial dust.
“For Asha, it was very important to the team that her hair had the texture and moved like braided hair,” said Brittany Smith, Production Designer for Senior Specialty Design with Walt Disney Imagineering. “The new focus on hair texture stemmed from the team continuing to find new ways to tell stories and create the ‘illusion of life’ much like we do with Audio-Animatronics figures.”
Disney is continuing to innovate in a way that’s unique to Disney by pushing the boundaries of the topiaries and bringing them from day to night.
For this all-new topiary, Star leaves behind a trail of twinkling stardust. “We have been evolving the process of adding lighting effects to the topiaries, consistently pushing ourselves to enhance them even more,” shared Josh Harrison, Senior Illusion Integrator with Walt Disney Imagineering.
For the first time, Groot, the flora colossus from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, has taken root near Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in World Discovery. The design draws inspiration from the entertaining “I Am Groot” short featured on Disney+, titled Groot Takes a Bath, where the lovable character discovers his topiary powers.
As part of the innovative evolution of topiary production, the team has seamlessly integrated 3D models into the complete development and production pipeline for the second consecutive year. Leveraging 3D modeling goes beyond ensuring visual accuracy; it plays a crucial role in integrating special effects and lighting presentations for the topiary. The team utilized 3D modeling and printing, enhanced with traditional sculpt material and paint, to ensure the depiction of Groot was as precise as possible.
“The focus on maintaining the integrity of the character, while continuing to streamline the design and construction process, has motivated us to improvise and evolve on how the EPCOT International Flower & Garden topiary team creates and builds these incredible pieces of living art each year,” explained Steven Montalvo, Industrial Designer with Disney Live Entertainment.
In true Guardians of the Galaxy fashion, Groot is holding a dynamic mix tape titled “Green House Mix Vol. 1” with his own soundtrack playing — it’s the first time a musical element has been incorporated into a topiary at EPCOT!
What do you think of the new topiaries?
There’s still time to book your visit to the Flower & Garden Festival! 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 vacation.
Disney World Surveys Guests about Removing TRON Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue
Disney World is sending surveys to guests asking what their preferred way to queue for TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. Currently, guests either have to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane or get in the Virtual Queue in order to ride the attraction.
The emailed survey asks guests “Which of the following statements best describes your preference for riding an attraction such as TRON Lightcycle / Run?” There are three response options:
“I prefer the virtual queue system”
“I prefer the traditional standby queue system”
“Not interested in riding an attraction like TRON Lightcycle / Run”
TRON has not offered a standby queue except for After Hours events since it opened.
Visitors have the opportunity to join the virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app either at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. While at 7 a.m. they can do so from anywhere, at 1 p.m. they must be physically present in Magic Kingdom. Each guest can only join the virtual queue once daily. However, it’s important to note that virtual queue boarding groups are restricted and not assured. Guests receive notifications through the app when their boarding group is summoned and have a limited window to board the attraction thereafter.
The cost of Individual Lightning Lane access varies from day to day, with the TRON ride typically priced at around $20 in recent weeks.
How would you answer the survey about TRON Lightcycle Run?
If you’d like to book your next Disney World 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.
If you love exploring global flavors and learning more about how to create delicious dishes, then we have an exciting event for you! Chef Maneet Chauhan, known for her incredible talent and appearances on popular cooking shows, is inviting you to a unique dining experience at her restaurant eet at Disney Springs!
Guests are invited to join Chef Maneet Chauhan for a family-style meal that will take your taste buds on a journey around the world. The menu features a selection of her favorite globally-inspired Indian dishes, each bursting with flavor and creativity. From the vibrant streets of Mumbai to the bustling markets of New Delhi, you’ll get a taste of India’s rich culinary heritage with a modern twist.
Mark your calendars! This exclusive event is happening on select dates:
The event also includes live cooking demonstrations by Chef Maneet herself. Watch as she skillfully prepares her signature dishes and shares her passion for cooking. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to get autographed merchandise, making this a perfect keepsake or gift for any food lover. Tickets are currently available online for $195 per person.
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!
Get ready to jump into the heart of New Orleans with a special event that’s sure to be a Disney highlight of the year! D23, the official Disney fan club, is hosting an unforgettable celebration in honor of the 15th anniversary of the beloved animated film, The Princess and the Frog. This enchanting event, called D23 Down in New Orleans, is set to take place on March 23, 2024, and promises a day filled with magic, music, and memorable moments.
The festivities kick off with a choice of two exclusive screenings of The Princess and the Frog at the AMC Elmwood Palace 20. Fans can choose between an 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. CST screening, each accompanied by a special pre-show presentation. Attendees will also receive popcorn, a beverage, and an exclusive D23 gift to commemorate the occasion.
The magic continues into the evening with the D23 “Dreams Do Come True” Grand Finale at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. This grand celebration will feature live jazz performances, themed photo opportunities, and a cocktail reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres and an open bar for those over 21. Guests will also have special access to the museum’s exhibits and performance hall, making it a night to remember.
Adding to the excitement, D23 has announced some special details for the event:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Guests will get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming attraction coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort later this year. Learn about the creative process behind this exciting new adventure from Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney Down in New Orleans: Join Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, for a journey through Disney’s history with the vibrant city of New Orleans, from Haunted Mansions to jazzy gators.
Special Appearance by Keith David: Meet the voice behind the charismatic Dr. Facilier, as Keith David shares his experiences bringing the villainous shadow man to life.
Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event are available in two categories: the “Big Easy” Ticket, which includes access to both the screening and the finale, and the Screening-Only Ticket, which is already sold out. Prices vary for Gold and General Members, with the “Big Easy” Ticket priced at $199 and $249 respectively, plus a processing fee.
Important notes for attendees:
D23 Members can reserve tickets for themselves and up to three guests.
Each attendee must have an entry ticket.
The screening and final locations are 10 miles apart, and transportation is not included.
All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Members must present their membership card and tickets for admission.
Guests over 21 must present a valid government-issued photo ID to consume alcohol.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the magic of The Princess and the Frog and the vibrant culture of New Orleans with fellow Disney fans. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you singing, “I’m almost there!”
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 Minnie Mouse Color Block Neon Sequin Backpack By Loungefly Available Now!
Add a pop of color to your style with the new Minnie Mouse Color Block Neon Sequin Backpack by Loungefly! It can be yours for $90, you can order it here and shine everywhere you go.
The colorful bag features pink, neon green and orange sequins in a color blocking style with 3D ears and bow. It reminds us a lot of the 80’s so if you are into that era style, you will definitely love this new collection.
