Join Give Kids the World for the 3rd Annual Magical Night of Hope in December
The holiday season is the time of the year in which we seek moments of magic and hope. Give Kids the World Village is providing the perfect opportunity to find a bit of holiday magic at its 3rd annual Magical Night of Hope, an intimate Christmas concert featuring beloved personalities from the Disney YouTube community.
Magical Night of Hope is more than just a concert; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to support Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre nonprofit resort in Central Florida. This remarkable organization provides critically ill children and their families with weeklong wish vacations at no cost. These vacations offer a respite from the challenges of hospital stays and medical treatments, creating opportunities for families to bond, make memories, and experience a week of joy.
Give Kids The World Village is a place where happiness inspires hope. Since its inception in 1986, this magical haven has brought smiles to the faces of over 188,000 families from all 50 states U.S. as well as 76 countries. It’s an oasis of joy, laughter, and camaraderie, all made possible by the generosity of donors, community partners, and dedicated volunteers.
There are two ticket options for the Magical Night of Hope for you to choose from:
General Admission ($50.00): access to the event’s live studio audience. Experience the concert in person and kick off your holiday season with magic. You’ll also enjoy a delightful Dessert Reception.
VIP Package ($150.00): As a VIP guest, you’ll have the best seats in the house. In addition to the concert and Dessert Reception, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and greet the cast, receive a special gift, and embark on a private tour of Give Kids The World Village.
Mark your calendars for December 9th and be sure to buy your tickets before they sell out!
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!
We have the latest construction update for the new DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Construction on the new DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is continuing full steam ahead, and we have the latest photo update to share with you.
The tower has seen significant progress over the last 2 months. Several balcony doors have been installed, and the grounds around the tower have been leveled after having the building utilities installed.
Since our photos are limited to the building’s exterior, we are unable to share what progress has been made on the interior of the building.
Construction on the new DVC tower is slated to wrap sometime in 2024. As you can see from the image above, the artist’s rendering depicts a finished building that fits the theme of the Polynesian Village Resort. Disney has not yet announced an official opening date for the new tower.
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!
The new costumes can be found throughout the World Celebration neighborhood at EPCOT. We found cast members wearing the new costumes at the main gate, in Creations Shop, in Connections Eatery, and in other areas throughout World Celebration.
Disney has continued the trend of sourcing costumes via reusable materials by also making these costumes out of partially recycled fabric. The costumes are very eye-catching, featuring a dark gray base fabric with pops of color and a pattern that resembles Spaceship Earth on one side.
Disney has been sourcing many costumes from recycled materials recently. The costumes are made by melting recovered plastics into threads, which are then dyed utilizing a waterless method that preserves tens of thousands of gallons of water when compared to more traditional methods.
In addition to the new EPCOT costumes, many other cast members at Walt Disney World Resort also wear costumes sourced from recycled materials. 70% of the base material for the cast member costumes at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is produced from recycled materials, and the costumes for TRON Lightcycle / Run are made from recycled polyester.
On Disney Cruise Line, 60% of all fabrics used in the production of the Disney Wish adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” were sourced from plastic debris. Costumes for positions such as deck bars and Cabanas are also produced from recycled water bottles.
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!
Bandai Namco Qposket Disney Princess Dazzle at Toy Fair 2023
Toy Fair 2023, the premier event for toy enthusiasts and industry insiders, recently concluded, leaving us with a treasure trove of exciting discoveries. Among the many booths we visited, one that truly stood out was the Bandai Namco booth.
There, we had the privilege of exploring the delightful world of QPosket Disney Statues from Banpresto. These captivating figures, known for a subtle Chibi Art Style, are a collector’s dream come true. One of the highlights of our enchanting journey through the Bandai Namco booth was uncovering the magic and charm of these exquisite collectibles.
Before we dive into our exploration of the QPosket Disney Statues, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unique Chibi Art Style that influences these figures. “Chibi” is a Japanese term that refers to a particular artistic style where characters are rendered in a super-deformed manner, characterized by oversized heads and diminutive bodies. This style lends an irresistible cuteness to the characters, making them immensely appealing to fans of all ages.
The Chibi Art Style is a perfect fit for Disney characters, as it magnifies their endearing qualities and transforms them into charming miniature versions of themselves. Whether it’s Cinderella, or Elsa from Frozen, each QPosket Disney Statue captures the essence of the beloved character in an adorable and enchanting way. The meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship in these figures is nothing short of remarkable, making them highly sought-after collectibles for Disney enthusiasts. Whisps of hair and expressive poses bring these collectibles to life and set them apart from other Disney collectibles in the market.
As we entered the Bandai Namco booth at Toy Fair 2023, we were immediately transported to a world of wonder and imagination. The booth showcased the latest offerings from Bandai Namco complete with their blockbuster licenses like OnePiece, Marvel, Star Wars, Naruto, Dragon Ball, My Hero Acadamia, Studio Ghibli, and more. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the excitement and anticipation of discovering the latest collectibles from Bandai Namco.
Like a force of nature we were drawn to the QPosket Disney Statue collection, and we couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of these figures. Each one was meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of the Disney character it represented. The attention to detail was extraordinary, from the intricate facial expressions to the flowing dresses and dynamic poses.
The QPosket Disney Statues are undoubtedly a collector’s dream come true. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just starting their journey into the world of Disney memorabilia, these figures hold an irresistible allure.
One of the standout features of the QPosket Disney Statue collection is its diverse character selection. Disney fans of all generations will find their favorite characters represented, from classics like Stitch to modern icons like Elsa and Moana. Whether you’re a fan of the Disney Princesses or the villains, there’s a QPosket figure for you.
Pictured above are the QPosket Stories, which extend the narrative by immersing the figure into the story itself. Cinderella transforms into her iconic blue gown, Jasmine soars to a Whole New World, and Bella gets ready to Waltz with the Beast.
Ban Presto has released several series of QPosket Disney Statues, each offering a unique take on the characters. Whether you prefer the standard QPosket figures or the narratives of the QPosket Stories series, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste. These series allow collectors to mix and match figures to create enchanting displays that tell their own Disney stories.
Quality is paramount when it comes to collectibles, and the QPosket Disney Statues don’t disappoint. These figures are made from high-quality materials, ensuring their durability and longevity. The paintwork is immaculate, with vivid colors that stay true to the original Disney designs.
Collecting can sometimes be an expensive hobby, but QPosket Disney Statues offers an affordable way to own high-quality Disney memorabilia. Despite their exceptional craftsmanship, these figures are reasonably priced, making them accessible to a wide range of collectors.
The packaging of the QPosket Disney Statues is as enchanting as the figures themselves. Each figure comes in a beautifully designed box featuring artwork and illustrations of the character. The boxes are not just containers but also part of the collector’s experience, adding to the overall appeal of these figures.
During our visit to the Bandai Namco booth, it was challenging to pick favorites among the extensive collection of QPosket Disney Statues. However, a few figures stood out for their charm and attention-grabbing designs:
Cinderella: The Cinderella QPosket figure exuded elegance and grace. With her iconic blue gown and graceful pose showed the true embodiment of the classic Disney princess.
Elsa and Anna: The Frozen sisters, Elsa and Anna, looked absolutely enchanting in their QPosket forms. These figures perfectly captured the spirit of sisterhood and adventure from the Frozen franchise. The pair reach out for each other in a show of sisterhood, and complimented each other perfectly.
Certainly, Ariel, the adventurous and curious mermaid from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” deserves a special mention among the personal standouts from the QPosket Disney Statue collection. Her aqua dress and matching eyes called out to us like a siren song and pulled us towards Bandai Namco since she is our personal favorite.
Belle: Whisps of hair and a rose crown accentuated this amazing statue and captured an element of whimsy that is seen in every character. If we had not been more aware of our surroundings, we were tempted to break out into a rendition of Tale as Old as Time.
As we left the booth, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The QPosket Disney Statues are not just collectibles; they are pieces of art that bring the enchantment of Disney into our homes. Whether displayed on a shelf, in a glass cabinet, or as part of a larger Disney-themed collection, these figures are sure to bring joy and magic to any space.
If you’re a Disney fan or a collector looking for something special to add to your collection, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the world of QPosket Disney Statues. These figures are a testament to the enduring appeal and magic of Disney, and they are sure to be cherished for generations to come.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit has returned to Epcot for the Halloween season! This super cute activity takes guests on a scavenger hunt through the park looking for pumpkins painted like Disney characters.
Guests can pick up the Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit map for $9.99 at Creations Shop, Disney Traders, or World Traveler. The map is shaped like a pumpkin. On one side is a map of the park and where to look for the character pumpkins. On the other side is the stickers of the character pumpkins. Once you find the painted pumpkin in the park, you’ll place the corresponding sticker where it goes on the map.
You can redeem your map (finished or not) and get a prize! There are five small character pumpkin sippers to choose from: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Stitch. Each sipper comes with a black straw and the character’s ears sticking out on the side.
Guests can redeem the maps at the same locations that sell the maps. This is a super cute and fun activity to do while you explore the park!
Is Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit an activity you’d participate in?
There’s still time to visit Epcot this Halloween season! If you’d like help planning your trip, contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
New Paint and More Scaffolding at Epcot’s Canada Pavilion Refurbishment
Along with other construction happening in Epcot, the Canada pavilion is also getting a refurbishment. The whole area is getting a much needed update and refresh.
Scaffolding can be seen all around Hotel Du Canada as it receives a fresh coat of paint on the roof and exterior. Construction walls are up around the area as well and most of Le Cellier is covered.
It looks like all of the work on the Canada pavilion is general maintenance and not major changes like in other areas of Epcot.
Do you like to visit the Canada pavilion when you’re in Epcot?
If you’d like to visit Epcot, contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Winnie the Pooh Meet and Greet Returns Inside the United Kingdom Pavilion in EPCOT
The Winnie the Pooh meet and greet in Epcot is returning to the United Kingdom pavilion! Pooh bear hasn’t interacted with guests inside the UK pavilion since before the pandemic. Instead, he has been wandering the gardens outside the Imagination! Pavilion in World Celebration.
The Silly ‘Ol Bear is once again meeting guests inside Christopher Robin’s room daily starting at 9 am. Guests can get a big bear hug, some photos, and maybe even an autograph from the honey-loving Pooh bear.
Post-pandemic, Pooh appeared outside during EPCOT’s reopening as part of the character sighting initiative. Characters were kept away from guests but were still visible.
Character meet and greets have returned to pre-pandemic operations and we are happy to see Winnie the Pooh move back inside the United Kingdom pavilion! Will you be heading over to see him soon?
Ready to plan your next visit to Epcot? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Frozone is now greeting guests in front of an all-new mural in Pixar Plaza, along with fellow Super and best friend Mr. Incredible, Mr. Incredibles wife Elastigirl, and Sully from Monsters Inc.
After meeting Frozone, spin by the Edna Mode Experience, where you can snap a few pics with Edna and get an up-close look at her latest Super Suit creations (but remember, No Capes!).
This is now Frozone’s third location at Hollywood Studios. Before the latest Meet and Greet location, he greeted guests nearby in front of a plain brick wall, and before the COVID closures, Frozone’s meet and greet location was located near the front of the park.
Have you met Frozone? Show us your superposes in the comments!
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!
To kickstart fall and Halloween Gideon’s is bringing back the Frankenstein Lives cookie! This Cookie stitches together various Chocolates, Double Stuff Oreos, and M&M’s to resurrect one of our most popular Limited Edition Cookies of the year.
Also returning is the Bride of Frankenstein cookie! Designed in the same mold as Frank but featuring White Chocolate, Golden Oreos, and M&M’s!
French Toast Cold Brew is Back for October and November! It legit tastes like a complete Coffee and French Toast Breakfast wrapped all in one! So much deliciousness! Only at Gideon’s in Disney Springs!
Frankenstein Cake Slices! Three layers of Chocolate Cake, a ridiculous amount of Oreo buttercream, and M&M’s! Don’t forget that upside-down dripping chocolate ganache!
Bride of Frankenstein Cake Slices! Team Vanilla Fans! We haven’t forgotten about you this year! The Bride Cake is just like the Frankenstein Slice but features two layers of our delicate Vanilla Cake sandwiching a single layer of Chocolate Cake. Cover that in Golden Oreo Buttercream and accent it with that supernatural reverse ganache drip, and you’ve got something special for Halloween!
Here is a look at more of Gideon’s Bakehouse Birthday/Halloween/Fall Treats and Merch coming in the first week of October…
Behind-the-Scenes Look at ESPN’s Toy Story Funday Football
In an unprecedented collaboration, ESPN, The Walt Disney Company, and the National Football League are joining forces for Toy Story Funday Football—an innovative presentation that brings together cherished characters from Pixar Animation Studios.
Set to unfold this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET, fans are in for a unique experience as they dive into a fully animated spectacle available on Disney+, ESPN+, and on mobile through the NFL+ app. The live recreation of the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars game at London’s Wembley Stadium takes place within the iconic setting of Andy’s room, a beloved location from the Toy Story films. This special event stands as the latest testament to ESPN’s commitment to innovation, offering alternate telecasts in key sporting events to captivate audiences in new and exciting ways.
Andy’s room will replicate the on-the-field gameplay from Wembley Stadium—host of the NFL International Series game—where each Falcons and Jaguars player will have an animated representation on a familiar-looking field, modified for the Toy Story setting. Fans will see all of the football-related action through state-of-the-art tracking technology enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats player tracking data and Beyond Sports.
In addition to the gameplay, other aspects—including the announcers Drew Carter (play-by-play), Booger McFarland (analyst), and Pepper Persley (reporter); the graphics; the scoreboard; the penalty announcements; and more—will embrace the Toy Story-themed presentation in their packaging and delivery. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, Jessie, Bullseye, Bunny, Ducky, Forky, and other characters from the acclaimed animated franchise will be visible throughout, participating from the sidelines and in other non-gameplay elements. And, during the special Halftime Show, daredevil Duke Caboom will attempt a motorcycle jump!
This pioneering NFL presentation is made possible by ESPN, ESPN’s Edge Innovation Center, The Walt Disney Company, NFL, Pixar, Next Gen Stats, Beyond Sports, and Silver Spoon. ESPN and Disney’s Toy Story alternate telecast complements the primary game presentation of the Falcons and Jaguars’ Week 4 matchup available on ESPN+, local broadcast stations in the markets of the participating teams, and on mobile with NFL+. In the U.S., a replay will be available shortly after the game ends on Disney+ and NFL+ (for a limited time). Globally, Toy Story Funday Football will be available in over 95 markets live and/or on replay. Video on Demand will be available 24 hours after the live broadcast ends.
Zombie Creamsicle Shake from Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs
There are two new Halloween shakes at Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs! We recently tried the Zombie Creamsicle Shake. The shake is as tasty as it is fun!
There are two Halloween shakes available at Planet Hollywood for $12.99 each. The Eye Popping Candy and Zombie Creamsicle. We tried the latter.
An orange and vanilla creamsicle shake with green frosting loaded with black and orange M&Ms and Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy corn, and decorative delights in the form of candied ghosts, bones, and pumpkins, topped with a spooky, bloody sauce drizzled all over. A large, ghoulish ghost peep is propped on top with a lollipop lurking in the center. There’s also a spider ring you can keep to wear later.
The shake was super tasty and had plenty of treats to share with a friend!
Is this a shake you want to try? Head to Planet Hollywood before the Halloween season is over!
Ready to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
We LOVE this Spooky Maleficent Ear Hat Bowl Now Available in California Adventure
A spooktacular Maleficent ear hat bowl is now available at Disney California Adventure! The new novelty item is available at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream.
The Maleficent Ear Hat Bowl comes with the guest’s choice of ice cream sundae. Guests can get any of the regular sundaes or the specialty sundae which is available only during Halloween time. The specialty sundae is the “Created in the Lab Sundae” which is vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, licorice laces and whipped topping.
There is a limit of 10 Maleficent Ear Hat Bowls per person per transaction and they are $17.19 each. The bowl is black with eerie slanted green eyes. The Mickey ears feature Maleficent horns. It looks like the ears and eyes glow in the dark too!
Is this an item you’d like to add to your collection?
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!
