Golden Dream Returns to EPCOT after long Refurbishment
The Golden Dream ship has returned to the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot! The ship underwent a lengthy refurbishment and recently returned to the World Showcase Lagoon.
The Golden Dream was backstage for several months undergoing a refurbishment. Now that it has returned to its rightful spot in the lagoon, let’s go over some facts and history about the ship!
The ship is a historically accurate replica of a 1776 Continental rum runner sloop. A sloop is a sailing ship with a single mast and a fore-and-aft rig. The Golden Dream originally appeared on World Showcase Lagoon in 1993. To get the best view of the Golden Dream, head to Italy and walk over the water piazza bridge on World Showcase Lagoon.
Have you ever noticed the Golden Dream when visiting Epcot?
If you’d like 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.
Closer Look at Mickey Balloon Disney100 Popcorn Bucket
A new Disney100 popcorn bucket has arrived at Walt Disney World! As part of the Disney100 Celebration going on at Epcot, guests can purchase a new Mickey Balloon popcorn bucket.
The new Mickey Balloon Disney100 Popcorn Bucket is a beautiful shiny metallic purple bucket. On the front is Mickey’s face and on the back is “Disney 100 Years of Wonder” written in platinum lettering. The carrying strap is white with the Disney100 logo in purple lettering.
The popcorn bucket is available for $20 and comes with popcorn.
Do you like to collect Disney popcorn buckets and will you be adding this one to your collection?
Ready to head 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.
It’s officially fall and fall decorations have arrived in Disney Springs! Along with these festive decorations, there are some fun fall activities guests can do at the shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Disney Springs offers seasonal shopping, tasty Halloween treats, and eerie experiences!
Shop for Halloween must-haves—including costumes and accessories—at World of Disney, DisneyStyle, Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Star Wars Trading Post.
Plus, browse Disney Halloween merchandise collections available for a limited time at World of Disney and DisneyStyle.
The following collections are available to shop now:
Mickey Mouse Fab 5 Halloween Collection
The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection
Haunted Mansion Collection
Hocus Pocus Collection
Coco Collection
Halloween Treats
There is a variety of tasty Halloween treats available at Disney Springs this fall! Take a look:
Swirls on the Water
Apple Cider Slush with Pumpkin Soft Serve
Dole Whip Sampler
Haunted Mansion Cone
The Ganachery
Donald Candy Corn Chocolate Piñata
Haunted Mansion Portraits Box
Jack Skellington Dark Ganache and Poison Apple Ganache Square
Amorette’s Patisserie
Jack and Sally Éclairs
Maleficent Petit Cake
Mummy Mickey Dome Cake
Oogie Boogie Cream Puff
Marketplace Snacks
Minnie Witch Waffle Sundae
Some fun, eerie experiences you might want to participate in at Disney Springs are:
Skeleton Stiltwalkers: Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from September 29 to October 29, 2023
Zombeats: zombie percussionists performing around Disney Springs Town Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from September 29 to October 29, 2023.
Squad Ghouls: a ghostly a capella group performing at Waterside Stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from September 29 to October 29, 2023
Disney PhotoPass Studio: Spookily fun Halloween-themed photo backdrops available now!
Ready to celebrate the Halloween season at 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.
Every Movie and TV Show Delayed by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes
The continuing SAG-AFTRA strikes by writers and actors, which have reached their fifth and third months, respectively, have disrupted Hollywood’s production calendars. Industry professionals are calling for improved safeguards, equitable compensation, and new rules regarding the application of artificial intelligence. This is significantly impacting major studios, causing substantial setbacks for Hollywood, which was in the early stages of recovery following the pandemic-induced shutdown.
Disney and Marvel Studios are now facing massive delays in their calendar, as the SAG-AFTRA Strikes are affecting the next few months and possibly years into the future. Many of Disney’s Marvel projects have experienced release date adjustments, with the highly anticipated “Blade” being postponed by five months, shifting from September 6, 2024, to February 14, 2025. Similarly, “Fantastic Four” has moved from its Valentine’s Day 2025 release date to May 2, 2025.
“Captain America: Brave New World,” marking the debut of Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, has been rescheduled to July 26, 2024, resulting in a postponement of “Thunderbolts” from that date to December 20.
Two upcoming “Avengers” films, namely “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” have been delayed by one year, now set for May 2026 and May 2027, respectively. Notably, “Deadpool 3,” the first installment within the franchise to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has moved its release date forward from November 8, 2024, to May 3.
Two of Sony’s Spider-Man villain spinoffs, namely “Kraven the Hunter” and “Venom 3,” have also been impacted by the strikes. “Kraven the Hunter” has been rescheduled from October 2023 to August 2024, while “Venom 3” has been moved up, shifting from October 2024 to July of the same year.
“Spider-Man 4,” produced in collaboration with Sony and featuring Tom Holland reprising his role as the web-slinger, currently lacks a specified release date. Additionally, Sony’s animated production, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” initially anticipated for March 2024, has been postponed indefinitely.
On Disney’s schedule, the live-action adaptations of “Lilo & Stitch” and “Moana” have undergone date adjustments, with “Lilo & Stitch” moved to an undisclosed date and “Moana” now set for June 2025.
James Cameron’s upcoming “Avatar” sequels have experienced significant delays, with the third installment now anticipated for release in December 2025 (previously December 2024), the fourth in December 2029 (previously December 2026), and the final sequel in December 2031 (previously December 2028).
On Saturday evening, the major film and television studios submitted what they referred to as their “ultimate and final” proposal to the striking writers, according to a source close to the situation who spoke with CNN. This development has generated significant optimism that the ongoing negotiations, aimed at resolving the prolonged SAG-AFTRA strikes may reach an agreement over the weekend.
Negotiators representing the Writers Guild of America were anticipated to assess the offer and provide their response.
It’s worth noting that even if a tentative agreement is reached, it would still require approval from the union’s regular members before it becomes effective. The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers engaged in negotiations for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday.
Major studios like Disney and Marvel are changing their movie release dates, and it’s unclear when things will get back to normal. Negotiations are still happening, and we’ll have to wait to see what happens next. The future of Hollywood depends on the choices made in the coming days and weeks. What are your thoughts on the continued work stoppage? Let us know in a comment.
DisneyBand+ is now on-sale for guests sailing aboard the Disney Magic starting October 22nd
Disney Cruise Line’s new DisneyBand+ is now on sale for guests sailing on the Disney Magic starting October 22. Eligible guests can place their orders between 45 and 11 days prior to sailing.
DisneyBand+ is a waterproof wristband designed to enhance your Disney cruise experience.
From boarding the ship on embarkation day and accessing your stateroom, to charging specialty food and merchandise to the payment card on your stateroom folio and beyond, DisneyBand+ adds convenience, fun and more magic to your cruise!
DisneyBand+ provides hands-free convenience throughout the ship and on shore at Disney Castaway Cay. Plus, enchanting surprises await! DisneyBand+ brings onboard magic to life—watch as your band dances with dazzling light and haptic vibrations during interactive moments, including in the dining rooms, during fireworks, in the atrium and kids clubs!
Purchase DisneyBand+ before your cruise and choose from over 50 fun designs, including Disney Cruise Line exclusives. Purchasing ahead of time allows Guests to receive free custom engravings to make your DisneyBand+ unmistakably yours! Plus— you can have them conveniently shipped to your home so you can save time on board. Guests who purchase in advance can experience more convenience and enchanting surprises while on the ship with magical encounters right from day one!
If you already have a MagicBand+ that you use at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, you can also use that as your DisneyBand+ on select Disney Cruise Line ships!
Will you be purchasing a DisneyBand+ for your next Disney cruise?
If you’d like help planning your next cruise, 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.
Mickey and Minnie Disney 100 Meet and Greet in EPCOT
A new Mickey and Minnie meet and greet has arrived in Epcot for the Disney100 celebration! The classic pair are all decked out in their new platinum Disney100 outfits.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are now greeting guests at Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival in Epcot. They are wearing their new Disney100 Celebration outfits!
Mickey is wearing a dapper suit with purple pants with platinum stripes down the sides, a platinum vest, and platinum suit coat. His shoes are also platinum and he has a black bowtie.
Minnie is dressed in a sparkly platinum dress with a fabulous purple bow on the front. She’s also sporting platinum shoes and a sparkly platinum bow on her head.
How cute are Mickey and Minnie in their Disney100 attire? We love their fancy new looks!
Ready to visit Mickey and Minnie in Epcot? Contact me to plan your next trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
First Look at New Food Booths and Menus at EPCOT Food and Wine Festival
New food booths and menus have arrived at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! These new booths are part of the Disney100 Celebration and will be available for guests to enjoy through December 31, 2023.
Ready to celebrate Disney100 at Epcot? Contact me today 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!
An all-new Disney 100 Mural is now on display at EPCOT
The Disney 100 decoration news at EPCOT just keeps coming! We have already explored new banners, decorations, and Magic Shots in previous posts, and now have this wonderful mural to share with you!
There are a variety of Disney 100 celebration elements available at EPCOT currently, including character meet and greets, magic shots, and decorations. Be sure to head over to EPCOT before they are gone at the end of the year!
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!
Disney100 Photopass Magic Shots are now available via PhotoPass photographers at both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
If you have a trip to either EPCOT or Magic Kingdom planned through the end of the year, be sure to grab a few photos from the PhotoPass photographers. Limited-time Disney100 Magic Shots are now being offered through the December 31, 2023.
The new Magic Shots are part of the Disney100 celebration. The images “honor YOU — and all the storytellers who have carried on the Disney legacy over the last century that will continue to grow into the future.”
The new Magic Shots have a great look to them, and are perfect for printing out to frame! The are only available for the next few months, so be sure to get one before they are gone! They are available from PhotoPass photographers, who are located throughout the park to capture your magical vacation memories.
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 banners feature many of your favorite Disney characters dressed up in their Disney100 best. The Disney100 medallion has also been hung in the park.
Chip and Dale look very dapper in their Disney100 outfits.
Tinker Bell is on hand to spread some pixie dust on the Disney100 celebration.
No Disney party would be completed without Minnie Mouse.
And of course the Boss Mouse himself, Mickie Mouse, is present.
Disney100 celebrates 100 years of timeless stories and characters, while also looking to “a future full of magic.” EPCOT is serving as a central hub for the celebration at Walt Disney World, with limited-time offerings available through December 31, 2023.
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!
A new Bunsen and Beaker Magic Shot is now available at EPCOT
Disney PhotoPass is a great way to easily capture all of the magical moments that occur during a Walt Disney World vacation. Magic Shots provide the opportunity to add over 70 special effects to your PhotoPass photos, and now (for a limited time) Bunsen and Beaker are joining the Magic Shot offerings at EPCOT.
The Bunsen and Beaker Magic Shot has been added as part of the International Food & Wine Festival, currently underway at EPCOT. The Magic Shot is super fun, with Bunsen and Beaker appearing in the shot with a lab table covered with their Food and Wine concoctions.
Disney Photopass photographers are located throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks and are ready to capture your magical vacation memories. Your Photopass photos will be linked to your MyDisneyExperience account, allowing you to view them via the Disney World app. To easily purchase all of your vacation photos for one low price, consider adding Memory Maker onto your Walt Disney World vacation package.
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 Santa Clauses Season 2 Disney+ Release Date Revealed
Disney has just released details on the second season of the Disney+ show The Santa Clauses. We’ve learned that season two of the Disney+ Original series, “The Santa Clauses,” from Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, will debut with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, November 8, followed by new episodes weekly.
In the second season of the series, the Calvin family returns to the North Pole. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) resumes his duty as Santa Claus, having abandoned his retirement plans due to the lack of a suitable successor in the first season. With Christmas saved and their mission accomplished, Scott shifts his attention to preparing his son Cal (Austin Kane) to eventually inherit the role of Santa Claus in the “family business.”
In addition to Tim Allen, who will take on the dual role of executive producer and reprise his beloved character, Santa/Scott Calvin, the second season will feature a talented ensemble cast. Elizabeth Mitchell stars as Mrs. Claus/Carol, Austin Kane portrays Cal Calvin Claus, Elizabeth Allen-Dick embodies Sandra Calvin Claus, Devin Bright appears as Noel, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias assumes the role of Kris Kringle, and Eric Stonestreet takes on the character of Magnus Antas, also known as The Mad Santa. Returning as a recurring guest star is Matilda Lawler, who reprises her role as Santa’s chief of staff, Betty.
Additionally, the season includes Marta Kessler as Olga, Liam Kyle as Gary, Isabella Bennett as Edie, Sasha Knight as Crouton, Ruby Jay as Riley, Mia Lynn Bangunan as Pontoon, and Laura San Giacomo as La Befana, the Christmas Witch.
Season one of “The Santa Clauses,” which debuted last holiday season, was a top 5 most-watched original series on Disney+ by hours streamed (Nov. 3-Dec. 31, 2022). Are you tuning in on November 8th to watch “The Santa Clauses” back in action? Share your thoughts on season one in a comment.
