Opening Day Disney Cast Member Looks Back at Past 50 Years

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February 6, 2024

Opening Day Disney Cast Member Looks Back at Past 50 Years

Pam Flint, an original Cast Member from opening day and who continues to work at Walt Disney World, recently reflected on her experiences over the past 50 years in a new interview with People magazine.

Flint, 72, embarked on her journey as an opening day Cast Member, initially serving as a can-can dancer at The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom. She vividly remembers October 1, 1971, when the park first opened its gates for operation. “My actual hire date is Sept. 15, 1971, and we had two weeks of rehearsals before Oct. 1,” she reminisces. Flint cherishes the memories of that inaugural day. “Everyone was so excited on day one. We only had 15 people show up to our first show, but it didn’t matter — it was a great show, and we all had a great time.”

class-of-23 — Photo Credit: Pam Flint via People

Over the years, Flint has occupied numerous roles at Walt Disney World, from portraying Miss Claire in the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to serving as a buying manager, costumer (handling the re-imagining of Fantasyland), project manager, designer, and procurement specialist for costumes aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder for Disney Cruise Line.

A couple of years back, she decided it was time to retire, but Flint found herself back in the fold after only nine months away.

“I got a call […] and they asked me to come back part-time, so I did to help cover holidays and things. And one thing led to another, and they offered me my old job back, and I said, “Okay.” And I’ve been here ever since.”

Presently, she serves as the proprietor of operations costuming at EPCOT, where she manages animatronics and oversees the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

In 2023, Flint reached the significant milestone of 50 years with Walt Disney World. At the 2024 Disney Service Celebration, an annual event recognizing long-time Cast Members, she was honored alongside others who had achieved similar milestones in their careers. Her previous attendance at the celebration was for her 45th anniversary.

Flint hopes to remain at Walt Disney World Resort as long as she can continue to make a difference. “As long as I’m doing that — making a difference, moving my division forward — I would love to stay.”

Source: People

Walt Disney Presents Refurbishment Removed from Disney World Calendar

By

Sara

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February 6, 2024

Walt Disney Presents Refurbishment Removed from Disney World Calendar

The upcoming refurbishment for Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been removed from the Disney World refurbishment calendar. It appears the refurbishment has been postponed or canceled.

The attraction originally slated for closure from Monday, February 12, 2024, through March 1, has undergone a change. As of the latest update, the Walt Disney World webpage for Walt Disney Presents no longer lists this closure. Currently, Walt Disney Presents displays its regular operating hours, and the attraction has been omitted from the main operating calendar webpage, which typically indicates closures for refurbishment.

Presently, the only refurbishment closure noted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, along with its accompanying gift shop, Rock Around the Shop. Both are expected to reopen at some point during the summer.

Situated in Animation Courtyard, Walt Disney Presents provides a captivating journey through 100 years of Walt Disney’s history. Visitors can enjoy a meet and greet with Ariel from the live-action rendition of “The Little Mermaid,” explore an exhibit dedicated to the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series on Disney+, and catch exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming Disney and Pixar films.

Ready to plan your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? 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 and stress-free vacation!

Mickey Mouse Throw Blanket And Weighted Pillow Now At shopDisney!

By

Ana Leal

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February 5, 2024

Mickey Mouse Throw Blanket And Weighted Pillow Now At shopDisney!

This Mickey Mouse throw blanket and weighted pillow are the perfect products to take home and cozy up in a magical way!

MICKEY MOUSE THROW BLANKET

This woven jacquard cotton throw has a reversible yarn-dyed design. Both sides have an allover print featuring Mickey’s timeless standing pose that will leave you smiling while napping, gaming or channel surfing.

MICKEY MOUSE WEIGHTED PILLOW

This Mickey icon weighted pillow is designed to help reduce stress and aid relaxation. Shaped in the familiar Mickey icon outline, the boucle cushion’s soothing, comforting color will coordinate perfectly with your interior décor and help you rest easily.

Credit: shopDisney

Disneyland Resort Closing Early Due to State of Emergency Issued for Southern California

By

Sara

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February 5, 2024

Disneyland Resort Closing Early Due to State of Emergency Issued for Southern California

The theme parks at the Disneyland Resort will be closing early again today due to a state of emergency in Southern California. The area is being hit by a severe storm.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency for the southern region of California, encompassing eight counties, including Orange County where Disneyland Resort is located. The Anaheim area is currently facing wind and flood advisories due to an atmospheric river, characterized by a significant amount of water vapor in the air resulting in substantial rain and/or snow. PBS News notes that these atmospheric rivers typically have twice the flow of the Amazon River.

Disneyland will be closing at 8 pm tonight instead of the previously scheduled 10 pm. Disney California Adventure will be closing at 8 pm as well, rather than the previously scheduled 9 pm.

Is this storm affecting your trip to Southern California?

If you’d like help planning your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.

New R2-D2 Loungefly Ear Headband Available At Walt Disney World!

By

Ana Leal

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February 5, 2024

New R2-D2 Loungefly Ear Headband Available At Walt Disney World!

The force is strong with this R2-D2 Loungefly Ear Headband available now around the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as, online at shopDisney for $34.99!

It features white sequined ears with out of this galaxy embroidery on the back of “Beep boop!!” text and the rebel alliance symbol. The satin bow features R2-D2 artwork with a domed black “knot.”

You can take a closer look at these ears in our Instagram post:

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Jason Kelce and family Spotted at Walt Disney World

By

Chris B

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February 5, 2024

Jason Kelce, the celebrated center for the Philadelphia Eagles, was spotted soaking up the magic at Walt Disney World with his family ahead of the NFL Pro Bowl, which was held in Orlando Florida.

Jason, his wife Kylie, and their daughters took a break during a fun-filled day at Magic Kingdom to pose for photos with Mickey and Minnie. The Kelce’s were in town for Jason’s 7th Pro Bowl appearance. While the star Eagle’s center was in town for business, it is clear his kids were more focused on a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

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A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

This was not the first Kelce family trip to Walt Disney World. Jason’s mother Donna posted pics from her room at the Yacht Club on her Instagram two weeks ago, and the family shared photos from a vacation last summer on Instagram.

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A post shared by Donna Kelce (@donnakelce)

Jason’s brother Travis, Tight End for the Kansas City Chiefs, is prepping for an appearance in the Super Bowl on Sunday. The brothers co-host the popular podcast New Heights and were the focus of the Prime Video documentary ‘Kelce’ last 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!

Peach Punch Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler Available At Hollywood Studios!

By

Ana Leal

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February 5, 2024

Peach Punch Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler Available At Hollywood Studios!

We spotted the Peach Punch Mickey Mouse Starbucks Tumbler at Hollywood Studios for $29.99. You can also order yours online a shopDisney and spark magical memories with every sip.

It features a beautiful sparkly design with glitter on the inside wall and a metallic rose gold silhouette of Mickey Mouse with the Walt Disney World logo. The lid is peach with a reusable straw. Very cute!

You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:

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Chocolate Lovers Rejoice Cadbury World Announces New Ride

By

Chris B

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February 5, 2024

Cadbury World, located in the historic Bournville area of Birmingham, is set to delight chocolate lovers of all ages with the announcement of a brand-new attraction, the Cadbury Chocolate Quest. This adventure will send guests on a mission with Freddo to collect ingredients for a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar. The trackless ride will blend 3D sets and virtual screens, creating a multi-sensory experience with sounds, lights, smells, and heat, culminating in a special Cadbury treat for riders.

This launch is part of a significant £8 million investment by Merlin Entertainments into Cadbury World, aiming to enhance the visitor experience. The investment includes the introduction of the Cadbury Chocolate Quest, replacing the 27-year-old Cadabra ride, and updating other attractions like the Have a Go Zone, the Bournville Experience, and Advertising Avenue.

Tim Waters, Regional Director at Merlin Entertainments, expressed excitement about the new addition, stating it offers families an innovative way to explore the world of chocolate. The Cadbury Chocolate Quest is a key step in expanding Cadbury World’s offerings, promising guests a memorable chocolate adventure.

With this investment, Cadbury World continues to be a premier destination for chocolate lovers, offering interactive zones, a 4D cinema experience, chocolate-making demonstrations, and now the Cadbury Chocolate Quest.

Stitch Products Spotted At Hollywood Studios!

By

Ana Leal

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February 5, 2024

Stitch Products Spotted At Hollywood Studios!

We found these fun Stitch Products during our recent visit to Hollywood Studios and just had to share them with you! Some of them are also available online at shopDisney, so let’s check them out:

First we found this Stitch Ear Headband with an all over pattern of Stitch making different faces on the ears and a satin bow with hibiscus flowers and an Stitch charm in the middle.

An adorable fanny pack and tote bag are also available to help you carry all your essentials everywhere you go! They feature different shades of blue and Stitch making fun poses.

For apparel we spotted a Stitch Rain Jacket and Woven Shirt for a mischievous touch to your style!

Finally, we also found a set of hair clips and scrunchy for a fun hairstyle and a Stitch mat to add to your bathroom or bedroom!

They are all amazing and fun products to make part of your Ohana.

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Adorable Baymax Mug To Keep Your Daily Brew Warm!

By

Ana Leal

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February 5, 2024

Adorable Baymax Mug To Keep Your Daily Brew Warm!

Our favorite personal healthcare companion is here to take care of all your refreshment needs with this Baymax mug we found at Magic Kingdom! You can also get yours online at shopDisney for $24.99.

The mug features a satin glaze with gloss elements, a lid with art detailing like Baymax’s eyes and silicone seal to keep your favorite beverage safe.

You can take a closer look at this super cute mug in our Instagram post:

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Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Closing Due to Cold Temps

By

Chip

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February 5, 2024

Disneys-Blizzard-Beach-to-Remain-Closed-Through-Wednesday-Due-to-Cold-Temps

Disneys-Blizzard-Beach-Reopening-on-Nov.-6th-3 — (Amy Smith, photographer).

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Closing Due to Cold Temps

As a result of cooler temperatures in Central Florida this week, Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park at Walt Disney World is set to be temporarily closed on Monday, February 5, Tuesday, February 6, and Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Reopening — (Amy Smith, photographer) .

The weather forecast indicates lows in the 40s during the initial part of this week, with daytime highs expected to reach only the mid-60s.

It’s worth noting that Typhoon Lagoon is presently closed for refurbishment.

Closer look at 2024 Mardi Gras Merch from Universal Orlando

By

Chris B

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February 5, 2024

This year, Universal Orlando is stepping up its Mardi Gras game with an incredible lineup of merchandise. From exclusive apparel to fun mugs and masks, there’s something for everyone looking to add a little extra sparkle to their Mardi Gras experience. Let’s dive in and check out what’s in store for us this year at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration!

Mardi Gras Tribute Store

There is a ton of merchandise packed in nearly every corner of the Mardi Gras Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida!

The variety of merchandise available this year is outstanding!

From shirts to bags to socks to mugs, the tribute store has it all!

For the Freestyle Mug fans out there, there is an exclusive Freestyle Mug for sale as well as a sling to carry it around!

Some of the more unique items include hats, beads, and masks!

The amount of merchandise available at the tribute store is seemingly endless!

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Universal Studios Store

There is also a wide array of merchandise available in the Mardi Gras section of the Universal Studios Store at CityWalk.

Several styles of cups/mugs with Mardi Gras theming are on hand.

The Universal Studios Store also has a variety of shirts, hats, and other collectibles ready for you to take home.

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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!