Disney previously announced that the new tower at the Disneyland Hotel would open on September 28, 2023. DVC members have received an email regarding the open house preview:
“Be among the first to explore a variety of accomodations available at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, including a spectacular 3-Bedroom Gand Villa! Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests may embark on a self-guided tour during the new tower’s opening weekend, Friday, Sept. 29–Sunday, Oct. 1. Light refreshments and entertainment await at the end of the approximately hour-long experience. Check DisneyVacationClub.com to learn more.”
The event dates are:
September 29
September 30
October 1
Registration opens September 14 at 8 am PT.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
The Discovery Tower, also known as The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, is the latest addition to Disney Vacation Club’s lineup. It represents the second Disney Vacation Club property at the Disneyland Resort, following The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The 12-story tower will feature 340 lodging options, encompassing duo studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom grand villas. Each room is meticulously themed after a distinct Walt Disney Animation Studios film, drawing inspiration from sketches, concept art, story cels, and color maps. The available room categories include Duo Studio, Deluxe Studio, 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villa, and Garden Room.
Are you looking forward to the opening of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel?
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
4*TOWN is a boy band made up of 5 boys: Robaire, Tae Young, Jesse, Aaron Z., and Aaron T. To Meilin Lee and her friends, no musical group in the world is more talented – or dreamier – than the chart-topping, five-member boy band 4*Town. They may be the biggest musical act of the late 90s/early 2000s, but these five besties keep it real by staying humble and always being true to their fans.
Disney is looking to fill the following roles:
Robaire (5’6”-5’9”) is the Leader of 4*Town for a reason. He will eventually have a successful solo career, but until then, he’s content to jam on the tour bus with his four best friends.
Tae Young (5’5”-5’7”) is the youngest member of 4*Town and known as the “Cute One.” A lover of animals, Tae Young is dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and has personally fostered injured doves between tours.
Jesse (5’9”-5’11”) is the oldest member of 4*Town. Jesse was in art school studying a degree in ceramics before the band took off. When fame starts getting to his head, throwing clay on his potter’s wheel and spending time with his two kids brings him back down to earth. Jesse is the “Artistic One.”
Aaron Z (5’9”-5’11”) is the athlete of 4*Town and the strongest dancer. Aaron Z coordinates a lot of the band’s moves and chills out by shooting hoops. Stoic and a little shy, he’s known as the “Lone Wolf” of the group.
Aaron T (5’6”-5’9”) is fast-talking and a natural comedian. “T” is always there to break the tension when life on the road gets tense. He’s a fun-loving prankster who remains happy and laidback, even after facing interviews.
Online submissions are open through 11:50 p.m. PT on October. Casting is based on resemblance, not necessarily dancing or movement ability. Disney hasn’t said where exactly these characters will appear but we’re excited to find out!
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Disney Issues Statement on the possible sale of its ABC Network and TV Stations
The Walt Disney Company has released a new statement addressing recent media reports regarding the potential sale of its ABC network and TV stations.
Earlier today, Bloomberg disclosed that Disney had engaged in “exploratory talks” regarding the potential sale of ABC and its associated TV stations to Nexstar Media Group.
In its official response, Disney clarified that it has not reached a definitive decision to sell these assets but remains receptive to exploring various options.
While we are open to considering a variety of strategic options for our linear businesses, at this time The Walt Disney Company has made no decision with respect to the divestiture of ABC or any other property and any report to that effect is unfounded.
New Nightmare Before Christmas Starbucks Tumbler Coming Soon!
What’s this? A new Nightmare Before Christmas Starbucks Tumbler that is coming just in time for the spooky season! It will be available online at shopDisney on September 25th, so mark your calendars because it will for sure be very popular.
The tumbler features a dark blue base color with sketches of Zero, Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, Shock, Lock and Barrel plus the Nightmare Before Christmas logo!
It’s so cute and a must have in your collection, so check back on September 25th to order yours.
New RSVLTS Halloween Button Down Shirts Now At shopDisney!
Embrace the spooky season in style with the new RSVLTS Halloween Button Down Shirts that just dropped at shopDisney! There are three different designs inspired in the Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus that Disney fans will love, take a look:
This shirt features an all over pattern featuring Jack Skellington, Sally, Lock, Shock, Barrel, Oogie Boogie, Dr. Finkelstein and more! This woven shirt is also made from soft and stretchy KUNUFLEX.
If you prefer a more subtle design, this shirt is perfect! It features an all over pattern featuring Spiral Hill, Sally, Mayor, Dr. Finkelstein and other Halloween Town residents in black and purple colors.
Cast your fiercest spell in this Hocus Pocus ”BOOOOOK” woven shirt featuring quotations from Winifred’s beloved spellbook and famous icons from the classic Disney film.
Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
New Disney Homestead Collection Available Now At shopDisney!
This new Disney Homestead Collection that just dropped at shopDisney is perfect for the Disney fans looking to add a subtle touch of magic to their home and love neutral colors. This collection features kitchenware, home decor and holiday accessories that will make your home extra enchanting!
If you love Disney and want to incorporated into your kitchen in a subtle way, this Mickey Mouse Bowl Set is the perfect option! It includes three different bowls in neutral colors with subtle Mickey icons, you can even complete your set with the Mickey Mouse Icon Pasta Bowl Set.
Make staying cozy at home extra magical with this Fantasyland Castle Throw featuring “Home” text on the front and an all over pattern of quilted Mickey icons in red on the back. There’s also a Mickey Mouse Icon Pillow that is super soft and cozy!
Start preparing for the holiday season with this Mickey Mouse Icon Reversible Tree Skirt that will add a subtle touch of magic to your Christmas tree this year! You can use the plaid side or turn it around for a quilted Mickey Mouse icon pattern.
The Seagulls are no longer present on the sign outside of The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Fans passing by The Seas with Nemo & Friends will notice an oddly quiet atmosphere as the Seagulls that famously echo “Gone Gone Gone” are no longer present on the sign outside of the attraction.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends invites guests to embark on an aquatic adventure aboard a “clamobile” as they gracefully descend beneath the ocean’s surface where they will encounter Nemo’s vibrant circle of friends darting amidst brilliantly hued coral reefs.
The sign outside of the attraction normally has animatronic seagulls installed that echo ‘Mine’ just like the seagulls in the movie. The seagulls have been removed. We are unsure if this is a permanent change to the attraction or if they have just been removed for refurbishment.
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 who specializes 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!
Trolls Band Together reunites NSYNC for the first time in Decades
Prepare for an action-packed, star-studded, and vibrant family reunion like no other this holiday season as DreamWorks Animation’s beloved musical franchise, Trolls Band Together, welcomes back Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake.
In this new installment, the long-awaited romance between Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) has officially blossomed (#broppy). However, as their bond deepens, Poppy uncovers a hidden chapter from Branch’s past.
He was once part of the beloved boy band sensation, BroZone, alongside his four brothers: Floyd (Troye Sivan, known for his Golden Globe-nominated electropop), John Dory (Eric André from Sing 2), Spruce (Grammy-winning Daveed Diggs of Hamilton fame), and Clay (Kid Cudi, a Grammy winner seen in Don’t Look Up). Unfortunately, BroZone disbanded when Branch was just a baby, leading to the separation of the brothers.
But when Branch’s brother Floyd is abducted by the devious pop-star villains Velvet (Emmy winner Amy Schumer, of Trainwreck fame) and Veneer (Grammy winner and Tony nominee Andrew Rannells, known for The Book of Mormon), due to his musical talents, Branch and Poppy embark on a perilous and emotionally charged quest. Their mission: to reunite the estranged brothers and rescue Floyd from a destiny even worse than fading into pop-culture obscurity.
Trolls Band Together, with its trademark mix of vibrant pop hits, showcases an impressive cast of musical luminaries and comedic talents as new additions to the franchise. Joining the Trolls universe are four-time Grammy nominee and Latin Grammy winner Camila Cabello as Viva, Zosia Mamet (known for The Flight Attendant) as Crimp, and 12-time Emmy-winning drag sensation RuPaul Charles as Miss Maxine.
NSYNC has reunited and is set to unveil their first song in two decades, titled “Better Place,” scheduled for release on September 29. A snippet from this track, along with their classic hit “I Want You Back,” made its debut in a fresh trailer for “Trolls Band Together,” the third installment in the beloved animated series featuring Justin Timberlake, the lead singer of NSYNC, and Anna Kendrick.
This trailer premiered Wednesday night (you can view it above, with both songs featured at the end). Furthermore, a portion of “Better Place” was teased on TikTok following a cryptic Instagram video posted by the NSYNC quintet with a Friends-inspired theme earlier in the day.
NSYNC, a 1990s and early 2000s boy band sensation, captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their infectious pop music and dynamic performances. Comprising members Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass, NSYNC was known for their harmonious vocals and synchronized dance moves.
With chart-topping hits like “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me,” they became a cultural phenomenon, achieving immense success during the peak of the boy band era. Beyond their music, NSYNC’s members pursued solo careers and various entertainment ventures, solidifying their influence on both the music industry and pop culture.
Returning favorites include Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominee Zooey Deschanel as Bridget, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Gristle, Icona Pop’s Aino Jawo and Caroline Hjelt as Satin and Chenille, Grammy winner Anderson .Paak as Prince D, comedian Ron Funches as Cooper, SAG nominee Kunal Nayyar as Guy Diamond, and Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live legend Kenan Thompson as Tiny Diamond.
Under the guidance of returning director Walt Dohrn and producer Gina Shay, alongside co-director Tim Heitz (head of story for Trolls World Tour), Trolls Band Together continues the legacy of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls franchise. The previous films, Trolls (2016) and Trolls World Tour (2020), have set records and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, solidifying their position as one of the world’s most cherished and successful entertainment brands.
Disney Unveils More Details for Cotino a Storyliving by Disney Housing Community
Storyliving by Disney has provided a glimpse into its latest residential development nestled within the picturesque Coachella Valley in California. The inaugural “chapter” of this vibrant community, known as Cotino, will encompass over 300 homes. Among them, approximately one-third will be thoughtfully tailored for homebuyers aged 55 and above, while the remainder will warmly embrace residents of all generations.
Cotino community is set to offer a diverse selection of home types and lot sizes, allowing residents to savor life to the fullest. Along the winding streets, homes will grace the landscape with designs inspired by the desert heritage of the region. These architectural marvels will draw inspiration from the rich history, natural beauty, and unique character of the greater Palm Springs area, all meticulously crafted within the creative vision of Walt Disney Imagineering and brought to life by carefully chosen builders.
“We’re thoughtfully and intentionally bringing elements to the community to encourage camaraderie among neighbors while also using our renowned Disney placemaking to weave the essence and beauty of the Coachella Valley into the fabric of the community,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “Alongside the developer and builders, we’re creating a special place where residents will have a distinctive lifestyle that can only be found in the Cotino community.”
THREE HOME COLLECTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
The Cotino community will offer three different single-family home collections allowing homebuyers to select a home best suited to their needs. The Cottage Collection will be built on home sites approximately 50 feet wide; the Grand Collection on home sites approximately 60 and 70 feet wide; and the Estate Collection on home sites approximately 90, 120 and 135 feet wide. All homes within the collections will be detached, single-family dwellings.
Homebuyers aged 55+ will be able to enjoy their best life in an area dedicated to them known as Longtable Park Residences. The name Longtable Park is inspired by Walt Disney and the experiences that originally drew him to the Coachella Valley. When Walt visited the area, he often enjoyed desert activities in the morning and joined his neighbors for a group breakfast and good conversation around a friendly table.
The initial phase of residential development will be built on the northwest corner of the community, bordering Gerald Ford Drive and Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage. A selection of home sites will be made available to potential homebuyers at varying intervals throughout the first phase of development.
Pre-sales appointments to discuss additional details including floorplans, home designs and pricing are anticipated to begin later this year prior to the launch of home sales.
PARKS INSPIRED BY THE CREATIVITY OF WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING
The community’s overall layout will promote connectivity with picturesque promenades where residents can spend time together while taking in stunning views of Cotino Bay, which will feature the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology, and the surrounding mountains. Throughout the community, landscaped parks will create gathering spaces to connect and socialize. Residents will be able to enjoy a curated collection of neighborhood parks that reflect the region’s natural beauty and Walt’s affection for the area.
Within the first phase, homebuyers in 55+ residences will have exclusive access to Longtable Park, a gathering place designed to foster friendship among neighbors thanks to a large, centerpiece table that will be surrounded by palo verde and olive trees. This park will also include barbecue grills and shaded seating areas.
Residents of all ages and their four-legged friends can gather at Laughing Place Ranch designed to celebrate Walt’s love for horses with an equestrian-themed dog park featuring separate play areas for small and large pets.
VIBRANT LIFESTYLE ACTIVITIES
Beyond the stylish homes and picturesque parks planned for the first phase, the Cotino community will feature a variety of unique experiences and activities that are expected to open in the future.
There will be multiple ways to enjoy the community’s stunning centerpiece, Cotino Bay. A voluntary Artisan Club membership will offer access to the waterfront clubhouse, exclusive beach areas and recreational water activities. Guests can also visit the professionally managed Cotino Bay Beach to access the water with the purchase of admission.
Along the picturesque shores of Cotino Bay, the community will feature a lively town center filled with sensational shopping and delectable dining.
Adding to the recreational options coming to Cotino, homeowners and guests can enjoy the diverse range of activities, experiences and epicurean delights in the city of Rancho Mirage. The surrounding area offers cultural activities and physical pursuits including hiking, tennis and golf courses created by legendary designers.
The Cotino community is being created in collaboration with DMB, a leading developer of large-scale planned communities, and select builders.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Releases Food & Wine Classic 2023 Menus
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel has unveiled the tantalizing menu for the 14th edition of its highly anticipated Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11. This year’s culinary extravaganza features a diverse lineup of over 20 delectable offerings, including both exciting new creations and cherished festival classics sourced from the hotel’s resident restaurants, lounges, and exclusive festival pop-ups.
Throughout the two enchanting nights of the event, guests will embark on a culinary journey spanning various cuisines, with options ranging from Mexican, Italian, sushi, and steak to seafood and barbecue, all thoughtfully presented at the event’s diverse food stations. To add to the excitement, a distinct menu will be showcased each night, ensuring that attendees have a fresh and exciting experience on both evenings.
In addition to the culinary delights, guests will have the pleasure of choosing from an impressive selection of over 150 exceptional wines and beverages hailing from various corners of the globe. This event promises to be a feast for the senses, offering a fusion of world-class flavors and beverages in the heart of the magical Disney experience.
Red chile chicken taco with avocado, tomatillo, pico de gallo and queso fresco on corn tortillas from Rosa Mexicano
Smoked American Lamb: Hand-crafted lamb, smoked cumin and harissa barbeque sauce, roasted black pepper and date puree, and pickled mustard greens from Smokin’ D’s BBQ
Gorgonzola cheese filled agnolotti with spiced pear, walnuts, nasturtium, and ‘Nduja vinaigrette from Il Mulino
Tonnarelli Pasta: House-made tonnarelli pasta, steamed baby clams, roasted tomato sauce, Calabrian chili, and guanciale from Amare
Congee: Slow-cooked rice porridge, shrimp dumpling, fried shallot, green onion, garlic, and crispy chili flakes from China Town pop-up
Returning favorites include:
Roasted Linz heritage black Angus beef tenderloin with potato puree, pearl onion, Dijon mustard, and cognac sauce from Shula’s Steak House
Signature classic guacamole en molcajete with fresh tortilla chips and roasted tomato salsa from Rosa Mexicano
Crispy cauliflower with sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce shoyu from the Beer Garden
Dragon roll: Crispy shrimp, yellowfin tuna, Haas avocado, and kewpie mayonnaise from Kimonos
Baked ricotta cheese, carrot two ways, radish, tomato, and pine nut “gremolata” from Il Mulino
Additionally, the hotel’s pastry team will showcase a delectable array of all-new desserts, to be announced at a later date.
The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at outdoor stations featuring culinary and beverage selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and exclusive pop-ups amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. The event runs from 5:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.
During educational seminars prior to the causeway event, guests can expand their knowledge of wine, beer, spirits, or pasta-making through hands-on learning experiences led by the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team. All seminars require separate tickets and space is limited. Specific dates and times of each seminar are available at www.foodandwineclassic.com.
Guests will find the Oogie Boogie Churro at the churro cart in Hollywood Land for $7.25.
The festive churro is a chocolate cookie-covered churro topped with green icing, gummy worms and candies. It is tasty and sweet but not overpoweringly so. It’s the perfect treat for satisfying your sweet tooth.
The Disneyland Resort is known for offering specialty churros and this one is a fun option to add to the list.
Ready to head to the Disneyland Resort to try all of the churros? 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.
Poison Apple Fries from Award Wieners in California Adventure
For a limited time, guests at Disney California Adventure can enjoy the Poison Apple Fries at Award Wieners. This tasty treat is available during Halloween time at the Disneyland Resort and we got to try it recently!
The Poison Apple Fries are funnel cake fries dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with candied apple compote, whipped topping and green apple glaze. You’ll also find some creepy crawly sour worms on top!
The fries are warm and crispy and taste like traditional funnel cakes. The apple compote and glaze are both sweet but not overpowering. And the whipped topping adds a nice creaminess to the dessert.
Guests will find the Poison Apple Fries at Award Wieners in Hollywood Land for $9.99.
Ready to plan your fall visit to the Disneyland Resort? 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.
