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Scaffolding Comes Down From Hotel du Canada Facade in EPCOT

canada
canada
Photo Credit – Mary M

Scaffolding Comes Down From Hotel du Canada Facade in EPCOT

Work has been ongoing on the facade of Hotel du Canada in Epcot the last couple of months but scaffolding has started to come down. Scaffolding and scrim are now completely gone from one side of the building.

Related – Some Scaffolding Comes Down as Refurbishment Ramps up on EPCOTโ€™s Canada Pavilion

canada-scaffolding

Last summer the building’s renovation began, during which scaffolding enveloped specific sides of the structure. The Hotel du Canada underwent a transformation, with the crew painting its walls in a stony gray hue and adorning it with a green metallic roof, replacing the previous sandy tan color.

scaffolding

During construction, the upper walkways of the Canada Pavilion have been blocked by construction walls.

The scaffolding remains above Le Cellier Steakhouse. Despite ongoing exterior refurbishment, the restaurant has maintained its operations, although construction walls and scrim surround its entrance.

The scaffolding on this particular side stretches from the entrance of Le Cellier to approximately halfway up the faรงade of Hotel du Canada. A portion of the scaffolding has already been dismantled, indicating that the remaining sections are likely to be taken down soon.

Do you like to explore the Canada Pavilion when you visit Epcot?

Special thank you to our good friendย Mary Mย for sharing her images with us.

If you’d like to plan your next visit to Epcot, 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.

Hei Hei Magnet & Waffle Debut in EPCOT for Annual Passholders

Hei Hei
Hei Hei
Photo Credit Mary M

Hei Hei Magnet & Waffle Debut in EPCOT for Annual Passholders

A new Annual Passholder magnet and liege waffle are now available in Epcot! Both feature our favorite chicken, Hei Hei from the Disney animated film Moana.

Related – New Construction Walls go up in EPCOT

Guests will find the Hei Hei liege waffle at Connections Cafe for $4.19. The liege waffle base is sweeter than a regular waffle. It’s then topped with pearl sugar, blue and red icing, sugar sprinkles, and chocolate medallion. The medallion features an image of Hei Hei. The waffle itself is very very sweet.

While the waffle is not complimentary, the Hei Hei Walt Disney World Annual Passholder magnet is. Passholders can pick up their magnet inside the Creations Shop. The magnet is available through February 23 while supplies last. There is a limit of one magnet per person, and all recipients must present a valid Annual Pass.

What do you think of the new Hei Hei offerings?

Special thank you to our good friend Mary M for sharing her images with us.

Ready to plan your next visit to Disney World? 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!

“House of MinaLima” Pop-Up Store Now Open at Universal CityWalk

House-of-MinaLima-Pillow
House-of-MinaLima-Pillow

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled a must-see addition to Universal CityWalk – the House of MinaLima pop-up store! This enchanting shop is a treasure trove for fans of the Wizarding World, bringing the iconic graphic designs of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films to life.

Related: Aerial Look at the Progress being made on Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

Tote-Bag

The creative minds behind House of MinaLima, Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, have been pivotal in crafting the visual style of the Harry Potter universe. Their work includes some of the most beloved film props such as the Hogwarts Acceptance Letter, The Marauderโ€™s Map, The Daily Prophet, and the Black Family Tapestry. Their artistic vision has helped shape the magical world that fans have come to love.

Notebook

The pop-up store at Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk is a limited-time experience, offering fans an exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the magical creations of MinaLima. This store is the latest in a series of global pop-ups, following successful stints in major cities like London, Osaka, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, and New York City.

Related: Universal Orlando Announces Details For the 2024 Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience

Card

For fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, the House of MinaLima pop-up at Universal CityWalk is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir, a piece of movie memorabilia, or just want to experience the magic of MinaLima’s creations, this pop-up store is a spellbinding addition to the Universal Orlando Resort!

Guests can find it in the Universal Studios Store for a limited time only, so hurry over to Citywalk to check out the store before it disapperates!


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!

New Construction Walls go up in EPCOT

epcot-construction-walls-cover
epcot-construction-walls-cover

In this week’s episode of How the Epcot Construction Walls Turn, construction walls in the park’s World Celebration neighborhood have shifted. The walls are moving in conjunction with the work on the pavement in the area.

Related: Pricing Released for 2024 Garden Rocks Dining Packages at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Guests visiting World Celebration will now find these construction walls on the east end of the neighborhood’s garden area. The walls were previously located along the west side.

Have you had a chance to check out the new neighborhoods in EPCOT? Leave us a comment to let us know what you think!

Related: Breaking Down Disney Worldโ€™s Updated Theme Park Reservation Process


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!

Percy Jackson and the Olympiansโ€™Exhibit Opens at Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios

percy jackson cover
percy jackson cover

Calling all Percy Jackson fans: a Percy Jackson Exhibit opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios earlier this month as part of the Walt Disney Presents walk-through exhibit. The new exhibit immerses Percy Jackson fans in the Jackson universe via a rich collection of screen-worn costumes and props from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series.

Related: More After Hours Dates Announced for Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Visitors to the exhibit can see costumes worn by the main characters, including Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. These costumes are displayed with details like the red Converse shoes gifted to the heroes by Luke and Annabeth’s Yankees cap, which plays a significant role in the series. The exhibit also showcases items from specific episodes, like Dionysus’ patterned shirt and cutoff shorts, and various props from the Camp Half-Blood scenes, including the Capture the Flag armor and the iconic blue-plumed helmet worn by Percy.

In addition to the costumes, the exhibit displays various “magical possessions” from the series. This includes Percy’s sword Riptide, which can transform into a pen, and Annabeth’s dagger. Fans can also see the Master Bolt, an essential item in Percy’s quest, and other significant props like Zeus’ costume and a Camp Half-Blood necklace, symbolizing the years spent at the camp by a demigod.

The exhibit also includes a 10-minute video in the Walt Disney Presents theater, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Disney+ series. This gives visitors a deeper understanding of the adaptation process and the creative efforts behind the series.

Related: Michael Bublรฉ and Luisana Lopilato Drop in on the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios

The Percy Jackson Exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a temporary installation with no official closing date announced yet. It marks a unique opportunity for fans of the series to immerse themselves in the world of Percy Jackson and experience the magic of the series up close.

Light Up Magic Band Scanner Coaster You Need In Your Home!

Light Up Magic Band Scanner Coaster
Light Up Magic Band Scanner Coaster

Light Up Magic Band Scanner Coaster You Need In Your Home!

Light Up Magic Band Scanner Coaster created by CoastalCanvasCrafts on Etsy for $20. You can order yours here!

Related – These Spaceship Earth Coasters Are A Must Have In Your Home!

These coasters are 3.5 inches wide and .75 inches tall each and feature a gold finish and Mickey Mouse icon in the middle. They are water resistant and also light up by adding pressure to them and need 3 AAA batteries. A must have for any Disney fan!

Credit: Etsy

Disney Lunar New Year Merch Arrives At Walt Disney World!

Disney Lunar New Year Merch
Disney Lunar New Year Merch

Disney Lunar New Year Merch Arrives At Walt Disney World!

Celebrate the year of the dragon with the Disney Lunar New Year Merch available at Walt Disney World! We found an ear headband, spirit jersey and adorable plush at Magic Kingdom that will bring luck to you all year long!

Related – New โ€˜Turning Redโ€™ Meet and Greet at California Adventure for Lunar New Year

This ear headband features red sequined ears and a puffy sating bow with gold embroidery making these Minnie ears a dazzling souvenir!

WALT DISNEY WORLD YEAR OF THE DRAGON SPIRIT JERSEY

The spirit jersey features a gold Fantasyland castle with fireworks on the front and “Year of the Dragon” “Happy New Year” in gold foil across the back. The bottom part incudes an all over pattern featuring beloved Disney characters like Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Daisy, Chip & Dale dressed for the Lunar New Year along with coins, dragons and text that reads “Happy New Year.” It will for sure bring you good luck all year long!

MICKEY MOUSE LUNAR NEW YEAR PLUSH

Disney Lunar New Year Merch

Mickey Mouse is in a festive mood to celebrate the Year of the Dragon on his fancy outfits with furry trims and an ornate headdress for the auspicious occasion.

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

New Ahsoka Tano Collection By Ashley Eckstein Arrives In EPCOT!

Ahsoka Tano Collection
Ahsoka Tano Collection

New Ahsoka Tano Collection By Ashley Eckstein Arrives In EPCOT!

A new Ahsoka Tano Collection just arrived to Epcot! These pieces are inspired in the moment when Ahsoka renounced her past with the statement “I am no Jedi” and includes apparel and accessories out of this world, take a look:

Related – NEW Private Star Wars Photoshoot Coming to Walt Disney World

Ahsoka Tano Collection

Let’s start with the ears created by Ashley Eckstein in collaboration with Bret Iwan. They are based on the Star Wars Rebels episode #222 “Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 2” where Ahsoka Tano says the line, โ€œI am no Jedi.โ€ They feature the iconic blue and orange colors and her head piece, you can get them for $34.99 at Epcot and online at shopDisney.

For accessories, we found an Ahsoka Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler that is color changing! As well as a Canvas Tote Bag with theย Star Warsย logo embroidered on the front, the Star Wars: Rebels scrips printed on the back.

Finally, plenty of different t-shirts and sweatshirts are available both at the parks and online at shopDisney. They are all super cool, im sure you will find that fits your style.

New Disney ILY Dolls And Accessories Spotted In EPCOT!

Disney ILY Dolls
Disney ILY Dolls

New Disney ILY Dolls And Accessories Spotted In EPCOT!

New Disney ILY Dolls just arrived to Epcot! They are perfect for the fashion forward Disney fans allowing them to mix and match outfits and accessories and create their own magic. Take a look at the new dolls inspired in some of your favorite princesses!

Related – Adorable Valentines Day Stitch Plush Spotted In Magic Kingdom!

RAPUNZEL DOLL

Disney ILY Dolls

Ready for her first art opening or a day just chilling with friends of the two or four-legged variety, this Rapunzel doll is a true original, just like your kid! She featuresย ringlets streaked with gold and a Minnie Mouse ears headband influenced by her very best pal, she also comes withย a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks that she’ll happily share with Pascal who, of course, is right by her side.ย 

ARIEL DOLL

Disney ILY Dolls

Under the sea or all over town, this Ariel doll sparks adventure anywhere their imagination leads. She’s dressed in a stylish outfit inspired by The Little Mermaid, from the top of the Minnie Mouse ears headband featuring a crown to the charm on her shell-shaped bag. She also comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that holds one of 12 hidden park snack surprises and not one requires the use of a dinglehopper.

BELLE DOLL

Disney ILY Dolls

Ready for a trip to the castle or a stroll in the village, this Belle doll is ready to go wherever adventure leads. From her Minnie Mouse ears headband with a rose motif to the cute hoodie complete with a hole made to let her long pink-streaked hair flow free, she looks the very picture of a modern princess. She comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks, but they won’t know which one they have until they open it. But if you’d like to hazard a guess, be our guest.ย 

ELSA DOLL

Disney ILY Dolls

Do they want to build a snowman? Or enjoy hot chocolate by the fire? Wherever their imagination leads, this dazzling Elsa doll is sure to break the ice. She is dressed in an outfit that evokes the cool blues and whites of Frozen, she wears a Minnie Mouse headband with faceted ears. She also comes with a pretend Mickey Mouse balloon that hides one of 12 pretend park snacks, each one sure to go well with cocoa.ย 

SVEN DOLL

Disney ILY Dolls

Reindeers are better than people.ย Who knows if what Kristoff sings is right, but it is true that there’s no better playtime companion than this Sven doll. Handsome, stylish and ready for adventure, Sven takes human form in this doll that evokes the fun of Frozen, from the colorful puffer jacket and Sven tee to the Mickey Mouse ears headband with antlers. It also comes with a Mickey Mouse pretend balloon that holds a hidden park snack surprise that almost certainly won’t be hay. Sorry, Sven.ย 

ILY ACCESSORIES

And if you already own an ILY doll, you can also get accessories to keep updating their look! We found some inspired in Minnie Mouse and Pixar! Very cute.

Adorable Valentines Day Stitch Plush Spotted In Magic Kingdom!

Valentines Day Stitch Plush
Valentines Day Stitch Plush

Adorable Valentines Day Stitch Plush Spotted In Magic Kingdom!

This Valentines Day Stitch Plush is the world’s sweetest space invader! We found him at Magic Kingdom for $29.99, you can also order yours online at shopDisney and make it part of your Ohana.

Related – New Stitch Photo Op Now Available in Disney Springs

The adorable plush is holding a pink heart that says “UR CUTE” with a little bite on it, a satin headband with two hearts and hot pink hearts embroidered on his feet. So cute!

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

Celebrate The 65th Anniversary Of Sleeping Beauty With New Magical Products!

Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty

Celebrate The 65th Anniversary Of Sleeping Beauty With New Magical Products!

Can you believe Sleeping Beauty is celebrating 65 years! A movie that brought magic into our hearts once upon a dream back in 1959, and started the big debate of make it pink, make it blue, still going until this day, be honest, which one do you like the best?

Well, it doesn’t matter, because the products we have to share will make both teams happy, take a look at the beautiful new collections filled with magic and enchantment:

Related – Sleeping Beauty Castle Receives Winter Decorations in Disneyland

Celebrate 65 years of magic with the new Sleeping Beauty Dooney & Bourke Collection featuring an allover pattern that includes Princess Aurora as Briar Rose, owl, birds and rabbit, plus roses against a beautiful light pink background. You can get a tote bag, crossbody bag and matching wallet!

Loungefly is also releasing a new Sleeping Beauty collection that will be available next month! This one features a gorgeous lavender color with Aurora dancing in the woods with her woodland animals on the backpack that opens up to reveal her prince, the three fairies in the beautiful crossbody bag and Aurora in a sleeping spell on the matching wallet.

Disney’s Enchanted Fine Jewelry has stunning pieces fit for royalty like the Princess Aurora Crown Necklace, Diamond Aurora Pendant Necklace, Aurora Crown Earrings and a super cool Aurora & Maleficent Double Ring!

Other jewelry accessories include a Sleeping Beauty Earrings Set by GirlsCrew, a Sleeping Beauty Story Book Necklace by RockLove, and a Sleeping Beauty Earring Set by BaubleBar!

These figures from Enesco will bring the magic back to your home! There are plenty of different ones to choose from inspired in this magical fairytale, you can take a look at them here!

Sleeping Beauty

This Aurora Limited Edition 65th Anniversary Doll is gorgeous! She looks stunning in her stardusted pink and blue satin gown, and adorned with sparkling gems and delicate golden embroidery, our sereneย Sleeping Beautyย from once upon a dream is a romantic vision to behold!

For clothes, you can add a romantic touch to your style with the BoxLunch Exclusive Sleeping Beauty Cardigan! Or decorate your denim jacket, backpack, etc with the Stoney Clover Patches featuring Aurora or Princess Aurora Crown.

Finally, who doesn’t love to curl up with a good book and maybe a cup to tea? The Aurora Mug will help you enjoy your favorite warm beverage while reading Disney’s Promchanted by Morgan Matson coming up in March! You can pre-order it now here.

Credit: Disney

Construction Permit Filed for Recently Closed Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Galactic-Starcruiser-1
Galactic-Starcruiser-1

Construction Permit Filed for Recently Closed Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser

Disney has submitted a construction permit for the now-shuttered Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World, and it has been assigned to Sunstate Awning & Graphic Design, a Florida-based company specializing in custom fabric and metal awnings.

Unfortunately, the permit lacks additional details, leaving the scope of the work shrouded in mystery. Whether the construction is linked to a future guest-oriented project at the former Starcruiser or merely part of routine maintenance during its closure remains unknown.

Related – Disney CEO Bob Iger Rejected Retheming & Day Trip Ideas for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

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Rey (left) battles Kylo Ren during a moment from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Disney has remained quiet on the building’s future. In June 2023, Disney Parks chief Josh D’Amaro shared the news, “No hints yet, but something will happen.”

Potential ideas for repurposing the Starcruiser include a more affordable daytime excursion from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge or transforming the facility into a conventional hotel experience. However, the latter seems less plausible due to the substantial modifications required for the building to function as a traditional hotel.

Related – What is Disney Going to do with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Rey speaks with a young Halcyon starcruiser passenger in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Debuting on March 1, 2022, with a steep price tag of approximately $5200 for a two-day, two-night stay, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser faced initial success but encountered a swift downturn in bookings after the strong initial sales. In response, Disney sought cost-saving measures and strategies to boost reservations.

The final voyage of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser concluded on September 28-30, 2023.