We recently found some pieces from the Coco Collection at Epcot! From apparel to home decor, these pieces are perfect to celebrate Dia de los Muertos or just to add a folklorian touch to your style and home.
Let’s start with this ear headband featuring “papel picado” ears with sugar skull and heart cutouts plus a cempasuchil flowers instead of a bow. Very cute!
Then we found a variety of mugs, travel mugs and glasses featuring Miguel, a sugar skull, Ernesto de la Cruz and other Dia de los Muertos icons.
Other kitchenware items include a white jar with an all over pattern of Coco icons, a set of colorful coasters and plates to bring a bright touch to the table and a kitchen set that includes an oven mitt and kitchen towel.
For home decor, we found a fun decorative pillow featuring a cempasuchil flower on one side and an all over pattern of icons and characters from the movie! Another fun piece we found is a Coco serving tray, it has a rustic look that will look beautiful in your home.
The collection also feature apparel, these two pieces are for girls and are so cute!
Finally, other items include a Bruno shirt for your fuzzy friend and a Coco hand fan for those hot summer days.
You can find some of these pieces online at shopDisney and the rest at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot!
Add a spark of magic to your Christmas tree with this Figment Ornament we found at Epcot for $26.99! You can also get yours online at shopDisney and start getting ready for the holiday season this year.
This adorable ceramic ornament is shaped like a light bulb with Figment in the middle and an orange trim. It also features “One Little Spark Light Up For You” text around, a little reminder to spark your imagination every day!
We are definitely adding this ornament to our Christmas tree this year! It will add a nostalgic and magical touch to it.
New Mickey And Minnie Italy Pavilion Collection At Epcot!
We found this beautiful Mickey And Minnie Italy Pavilion Collection at the Italy pavilion during our visit to Epcot! We love to check out the pavilion exclusive merchandise, is so unique, fun and makes a great souvenir from your Disney vacation. Take a look at the pieces we found:
How adorable is this Mickey and Minnie ornament? It’s giving Lizzie McGuire vibes for sure! It features Mickey and Minnie riding an orange moped having a great time around Italy, very cute.
We also found kitchenware pieces like a mug featuring artwork of different Italian dishes, Mickey in Venice and other landmarks from this beautiful country. Other items include a wooden spoon, cutting board and coasters that will make a great addition to your kitchen!
For the fashionistas, you can get a cute white tee with Minnie Mouse riding an orange moped around Italy or a super cool Mickey and Minnie Italy pavilion Dooney & Bourke tote bag with an all over pattern of what looks like stamps or postcards featuring Mickey and Minnie and other fun destinations in Italy.
You can take a closer look at this collection in our Instagram post:
New Details Revealed on Brand-New Disney Weddings Coach
As World Princess Week unfolds, the timing feels apt to unveil fresh insights concerning the enchanting “Cinderella”-inspired carriage, destined for Disneyland Resort. Moreover, for couples seeking to infuse the spirit of Disney Princess characters into their wedding festivities, there are myriad ways to pay homage to these iconic figures.
Imagine making a regal entrance in a horse-drawn coach, capturing breathtaking portraits against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle, or immersing oneself in utterly enchanting fairy tale moments—the canvas for creating magic is boundless.
Among the most eagerly anticipated offerings, exclusively tailored for couples embarking on the journey of Disney Weddings, is the experience of arriving and departing from their wedding ceremony in a resplendent royal carriage. And now, with great enthusiasm, we unveil thrilling news about the latest addition to the esteemed fleet of royal carriages within Disney Weddings.
Presenting the Cinderella Platinum Coach—a name that resonates with grandeur and charm. This carriage, conceived in homage to The Walt Disney Company’s century of enchantment, draws its inspiration from the ethereal carriage featured in the timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios masterpiece, “Cinderella.” Evident in its design are elements that pay tribute to the film’s iconic pumpkin shape, gilded accents, intricate scrollwork, and delicate lantern details.
Stay attuned to forthcoming details about the captivating Cinderella Platinum Coach.
In the meantime, indulge in the resplendence of the fully restored “Cinderella,” now available for streaming in glorious 4K on Disney+. Allow this cinematic experience to kindle your inspiration as you envision your own journey into the realm of romance and wonder.
Additional menu items have been confirmed for this year’s Passholder Night at Universal Orlando
Annual Passholders lucky enough to snag entry to this year’s Passholder Night at Universal Orlando have been eagerly counting down the days until August 26th. We have been able to confirm additional details about the menu for the event, with two new pretzels and two new drinks being added!
The Jurrasic World popcorn stand will be serving a Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Pretzel, while the slush stand by Port of Entry will serve Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pretzel. Guests 21 and over looking to try an adult beverage can check out the Amber Extraction (available at the Watering Hole) or the Passholder Cachaca Punch (available at the Backwater Bar).
The return of Annual Passholder Night was greeted with much fanfare from the Universal Orlando passholder community. The event this year will be held at Islands of Adventure, and includes a LONG list of perks and attractions:
Premier (15%) and Preferred (10%) Passholder food and merchandise discounts apply.
Passholder Appreciation Days Power and Seasonal Passholder 10%* dining discount applies.
Passholders receive an additional 10%** increase to their existing Food and beverage discount at UO-owned and operated restaurants excluding food and beverage carts and alcoholic beverages when using the Mobile Food and Drink Ordering App on the official UOR App.
The Passholder exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle® souvenir cup will be available for purchase at the UOAP Lounge and Captain America Diner® for $17.99 + tax^, while supplies last.
Passholders will receive $6.99 + tax activations on Coca-Cola Freestyle® refills during the event.
Exclusive Passholder Appreciation Days Menu Items are available for purchase.
Exclusive Passholder Night Menu Items available for purchase:
NEW – Starbucks® Cookies & Cream Cold Brew
Cold brew with a touch of vanilla, topped with a sweet cookie cold foam
Tall – $5.49 + tax
Grande – $5.99 + tax
Venti – $6.49 + tax
NEW – Starbucks® Banana Split Frappuccino
Blended Frappuccino with Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Java Chips, and Banana Topped with Whip and Mocha drizzle
Tall – $8.49 + tax
Grande – $8.99 + tax
Venti – $9.49 + tax
Standard Passholder parking entitlements are valid for the event.
The UOAP Lounge will be open during the exclusive event hours of 7:00pm – 11:00pm.
Passholder Collectible Art Print available in the UOAP Lounge†
Passholder merchandise will be available for purchase, while supplies last, at the UOAP Lounge, Islands of Adventure Trading Company and Jurassic Outfitters during the event, while supplies last.
Passholder dedicated last seating at Mythos Restaurant™ and Confisco Grille at 7:00 pm (must have blue UOAP wristband for last seating).
Colorvision photographers will be available from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
Open Attractions and Venues:
Port of Entry
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
Select Character Meet & Greets
DJ Dance Party
Shopping
Islands of Adventure Trading Company
Dining
Confisco Grille – Last seating will be at 7:00 pm for Passholders only
Backwater Bar – Open until 10:30 pm
Port of Entry Lemon Slush
Starbucks®
Seuss Landing™
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
The Cat in the Hat™
Caro-Seuss-el™
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
Select Character Meet & Greets
Shopping
Cats, Hats and Things™
Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers
Dining
Hop on Pop™ Ice Cream Shop
Green Eggs and Ham™ Cafe
The Lost Continent
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
Coca-Cola® Zone with lounge area and DJ
Dining
Mythos Restaurant – Last seating will be at 7:00 pm for Passholders only
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
Flight of the Hippogriff™
Select Character Meet & Greets
The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts™ Castle – Show times at 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm, 9:45 pm, 10:00 pm
Shopping
Dervish and Banges™
Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods
Honeydukes™
Ollivanders™
Owl Post™
Dining
Three Broomsticks™
Hog’s Head™
Butterbeer™ Cart
Snowman Cart
Jurassic Park™
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Select Character Meet & Greets
Shopping
Jurassic Outfitters
Dinostore
Dining
Thunder Falls Terrace
Kong Cart
Jurassic Park™ Popcorn Cart
Pizza Predattoria
The Burger Digs
The Watering Hole
Port of Entry
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
UOAP Lounge
Dining
Wimpy’s Burgers
Blondie’s
Toon Popcorn
Marvel Super Hero Island®
Attractions/Shows/Entertainment
The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
Doctor Doom’s FearFall®
Select Character Meet & Greets
Shopping
Spider-Man Shop
Marvel Alterniverse Store®
Dining
Cafe 4
Marvel Super Hero Island® Popcorn Cart
Marvel Super Hero Island® Snacks and Drinks Cart
Captain America Diner®
Annual Passholder Night will be held on August 26th from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Passholders who were not able to snag guaranteed entry may still be able to get into the event, however, it is first come first serve if you do not have confirmed entry with limited availability. Check-in will be located at the front entrance of Universal Islands of Adventure beginning at 12:00 p.m. for Passholders entering the park and near Port of Entry beginning at 4:00 p.m. for Passholders already inside the park.
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Univeral 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 Univeral 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 Univeral vacation package through me!
Disney has just released the full schedule for Destination D23 coming to Walt Disney World on September 8th-10th.
Celebrate 100 years of Disney and find the complete details about the biggest Disney fan event of the year, Destination D23 presented by Lug, below—including which panels will be livestreamed!
Please be advised: The event is currently sold out and all schedules, events, and merchandise are subject to change without notice.
EXHIBITS
60 Years of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics® Technology Exhibit: The Walt Disney Archives and Walt Disney Imagineering join creative forces for a special exhibition at Destination D23 to celebrate the history of Audio-Animatronics technology. This exclusive exhibit will showcase the evolution of the art and its related technology through a diverse showcase of rare figural assets, photography, and vintage ephemera and documentation all in the name of celebrating key moments from Walt’s earliest inspirations and development to modern-day marvels.
SHOPPING
Attendees will be able to explore a completely transformed shopping experience, including Mickey’s of Glendale, fan-favorite brands at the Ink & Paint Marketplace, and—for the first time at Destination D23—The Walt Disney Company Store!
For one day only: Anyone who is unable to attend Destination D23 will be able to livestream all the magical announcements shared on Saturday, September 9, 2023. To watch the live stream, go to our YouTube or Facebook pages (@DisneyD23) or visit D23.com/DestinationD23.
PANELS AND PRESENTATIONS
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.: Destination D23 Welcome
9:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.: A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow — Join Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and special guests for an entertaining presentation looking to the future of Disney parks, featuring updates from around the world and some fun surprises along the way.
10:45 A.M. – 10:55 A.M.: D23 Updates with Michael Vargo
10:55 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.: The Early ’Ears – Ub, Oswald, and Mickey — Join Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline on a journey back to the roaring ’20s and the “Early ’Ears of Disney” during this retrospective conversation, featuring iconic characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Mickey Mouse, and the Legends behind them, like Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.
11:15 A.M. – 12 P.M.: 100 Years of Classic Characters: Unforgettable Stories — Actress and designer Ashley Eckstein catches up with fellow voice actors behind fan-favorite Disney characters, including Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse), Kaitlyn Robrock (Minnie Mouse), and Disney Legend Bill Farmer (Pluto, Goofy), for a “table read” of iconic scenes spanning 100 years of Disney history.
2 P.M. – 2:35 P.M.: National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales — Dive deep into the groundbreaking science of whale families—and their startlingly human parallels—through the awe-inspiring work of celebrated National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry.
2:35 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.: Disney Cruise Line: 25 Years of Innovative Design at Sea — Get an inside look into designing and building Disney Cruise Ships from the Disney Imagineers currently working on its newest fleet. Learn of the intricacies that go into designing unique spaces and the complexities of ship design.
3:30 P.M. – 3:55 P.M.: Marvel’s Avengers: Beyond Earth’s Mightiest – Celebrating 60 Years — Celebrate 60 years of Earth’s Mightiest Super Hero team, the Avengers! Since their debut in 1963’s The Avengers #1, this all-star roster of beloved characters has been uniting to fight the foes that no single hero could withstand. Now, join Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski to trace the comics history of the Avengers across six decades—and BEYOND! Surprising stories and tantalizing teases await in this can’t-miss panel about how the Avengers rose to become a pop culture phenomenon! Avengers, assemble!
3:55 P.M. – 4:20 P.M.: 100 Years of Innovation: Magic in Every Medium — At its core, The Walt Disney Company lives by its ability to “keep moving forward”, as curiosity leads us down new paths. Imagineers Daniel Joseph and Karin Hanson reconcile a century of innovations in which Disney stories have been brought to life through magic, connecting how they have been inspired by the innovations of yesterday, to the exciting ways they innovate through storytelling today.
4:20 P.M. – 5 P.M.: EPCOT: Always in a State of Becoming — A look into the design and ideas behind the transformation of EPCOT and its new neighborhoods, attractions, and experiences. Explore the legacy of the park and discover more about the collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World Resort throughout this ambitious process. Highlights include details uncovered by the Marty Sklar Archives and the inspirations that have guided the evolution of Disney’s first park without a castle.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
9 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.: Walt Disney Studios Showcase — A sneak peek at exciting upcoming projects from The Walt Disney Studios!
10:45 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.: 100 Years of Walt Disney Animation Studios —Becky Bresee and Wayne Unten, heads of animation on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming feature Wish, sit down with legendary animator Mark Hennto revisit some of their favorite filmmaking memories.
11:15 A.M. – 11:25 A.M.: Disney Global Ambassador Showdown — Join Disney Parks Ambassadors from every Disney destination around the world, as we learn more about each of their home resorts and engage them in a friendly competition to see whose resort is the “best of the best!”
11:25 A.M. – 12 P.M.: Weird Disney: Centennial Edition — Get weird with Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, and experience 100 years of “Weird Disney” moments in the centennial edition of a Destination D23 fan favorite!
2 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.: The Road to 1923: Walt Goes West — Dial the clock back to the 1920s as Disney Legend Don Hahn and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline provide new and fascinating insights into Walt Disney’s fabled journey that would lead him to join his brother Roy in California, where the two would establish the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio—the beginning of what is now The Walt Disney Company.
2:45 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.: Down the Rabbit Hole: The Disney You Didn’t Know — Join Disney archivists and authors Kevin M. Kern and Steven Vagnini for a journey down the rabbit hole as they uncover astonishing Disney discoveries, connections, and little-known facts that will change everything—well, at least some things—you thought you knew about the Disney universe!
3:15 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.: 100 Years of Creativity: A Playful Look at Disney Imagination — Join Imagineers Diego Parras and Jason Grandt for a decade-by-decade look at some of the more interesting and lighthearted moments of Disney creativity from the last 100 years.
3:45 P.M. – 4 P.M.: See Ya Real Soon: A FAN-Tastic Finale
7 P.M. – 9 P.M.: DISNEY+ HALLOWSTREAM COSTUME BASH — Enter the world of Hallowstream with Disney+, the streaming home of your favorite Halloween stories. With phantomized photo-ops, chilling treats, and spellbinding surprises, guests will find all their hearts’ desires in this lavish lair of scares.
Destination D23presented by Lug is a D23 Gold Member exclusive event. Visit JoinD23.com to learn more about the benefits to a D23 Gold Membership, including the 2023 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, which features the Mickey Mouse “Leader of the Club” Milestone Statue; a quarterly subscription to the Disney twenty-three publication; exclusive discounts and offers; access to fan-centric events; and more!
About Lug: Founded in 2005 by Ami and Jason Richter, Lug’s unique silhouettes and thoughtful designs keep you organized throughout your day. Featuring fashionable bags and accessories in brilliant colors and novelty patterns, Lug provides solutions to everyday life with both function and fashion in mind—and soon, some extra magical Character! Learn more at http://www.luglife.com
Disney Rewards is the proud Platinum Sponsor of this year’s event. Learn how to make Disney dreams come true with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card from Chase at DisneyRewards.com.
For more information about other Destination D23 sponsors, visit D23.com/DestinationD23.
Disney Stock Closes Yesterday at Lowest Price in Nearly a Decade
As the final bell rang on Wall Street this Thursday, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) experienced a decline of 3.91% for the day, culminating at $82.47 per share—a figure not seen since 2014. To be exact, on October 16, 2014, Disney shares concluded the trading session at $81.74 per share.
In the course of the company’s recent earnings call, held earlier this month, CEO Bob Iger acknowledged the prevailing “challenging environment” that they currently confront. Since that announcement, Disney’s shares have observed a 5% decrease.
Sources indicate that investors are bracing for a potential further descent in the upcoming months, based on a report published by Reuters.
Disney shareholders are closely examining the company’s strategy for revival, prompted by CEO Bob Iger’s recent commitment to implementing a combination of price increases across its streaming platforms, enhanced advertising presence, and cost reduction measures, all aimed at revitalizing the business.
Disneyland Resort Changing Early Entry Policy for Hotel Guests Starting in 2024
Disneyland Resort’s Early Entry policy will be changing in 2024. The policy applies to all guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel during their vacation.
Starting January 20, 2024, the early entry benefit will be updated, and Guests with valid park admission and reservations who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels may take advantage of this 30-minute early entry into a designated theme park for every day of their hotel stay. Each day, either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park will be open early.
Currently, guests staying at the three Disneyland Resort hotels can enter either of the parks 30 minutes early each day of their visit. Starting January 20, that will change and only one park will be available for early entry each day. That was how the early entry policy worked pre-covid, however guests were allowed in one hour before the park officially opened.
Guests will need to check the Disneyland Resort calendar to see which park will be open for early entry each day of their visit.
Yesterday, 2024 Disneyland vacation packages opened up for booking. If you’d like to plan your next Disneyland vacation, contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney’s Once Upon A Wish Party
Today a very special wish-granting event is taking place at Walt Disney World in honor of World Princess Week – Once Upon A Wish Party! Hundreds of Cast Members participated in making this a special event for wish kids and their families.
This is one of Disney’s largest wish-granting events ever and will be filled with all the adventures you may expect of Disney royalty – and then some. More than 50 children with critical illnesses and their families from across the country will experience the best day ever. There will be royal encounters with Disney characters near and far, tea and treats for everyone, and wish kids will even be proclaimed royalty for the evening at a royal ball!
Disney Cast Members
Cast members are an integral part in making these Disney wishes come true. And you can imagine a wish event of this size takes quite the team, but just how many cast members does it take to bring something this grand to life?
More than 500 cast members from across the company worked together on this first-of-its-kind wish event. 500 cast members dedicated to every detail – from building stages and immersive sets, to cooking up delicious dishes, assembling royal packages with special surprises, and more. All while keeping safety and accessibility top of mind so each wish kid and their families have a marvelous time.
“Only at Disney can you make an impact like this,” said Stefanie Steele, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Walt Disney World. “Our cast members take great pride in Disney being the number one wish in the world, and it has been so inspiring to see the passion everyone is bringing to make sure dreams come true for these families….in a distinctly Disney way, of course.”
A Disney Princess Party Like No Other
Disney also enlisted the help of Disney royalty as they prepared. Fairy Godmother sent out the official invitations and some very talented mice are putting the finishing touches on décor all around Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Queens Elsa and Anna loaned their 8,000 salad plates (give or take a few) and Ariel is pitching in enough thingamabobs for nearly 300 royal guests.
“We’ve been planning this event for more than a year and have worked together to make sure every detail is practically perfect,” said Angeline Aguayo, Disney Parks Events Manager. “The care of our wish families remained at the heart of this event and our cast have risen to the occasion to create the most magical celebration for these families so they can make new happy memories together.”
It’s an extra special event for one cast member, Abron Kelly, who is helping to capture the memories as a Disney PhotoPass photographer and was once a wish kid themselves.
“Disney is the perfect place for wish families to get to be in the moment and not think about illness for a little while,” Abron said. “Growing up in similar circumstances — illness, hospital beds, etc. — Disney was the place I could go and feel like a regular kid. I knew someday I wanted to create that magic for other kids. That’s why I became a cast member.”
New Magical Day At The Park Shirt Spotted At Animal Kingdom!
Have you seen the new Disney Parks collection at Disney World? We found this Magical Day At The Park Shirt and loved the design! Very different to previous collections for sure but worth adding to your wardrobe, you can get it at Animal Kingdom for $39.99.
It comes in an off white color with “I Hope You Have A Magical Day At The Park” text with a Disney castle in the middle and Walt Disney World logo at the bottom on the front. The back features much bigger text that reads “Dear Person Behind Me, I Hope You Have A Magical Day At The Park, Sincerely, The Person In Front Of You.” A cute message to spread some pixie dust anywhere you go.
What do you think of this new collection? Would you get it? Let us know!
New Minnie Mouse Safari Loungefly Backpack At Animal Kingdom!
Explore the great outdoors with this Minnie Mouse Safari Loungefly Backpack we found at Animal Kingdom for $80! It’s so cute and unique, definitely a must have in any Disney fan collection.
It features 3D Minnie Mouse ears and pith helmet with her signature bow in an olive green color, the front pocket simulates Minnie’s explorer outfit with a brown belt and silver buckle appliqué. It also features two side pockets and adjustable brown straps.
Definitely a cute backpack to get during your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Delicious Mini Chip And Dale Cookies At Walt Disney World!
We recently spotted these Mini Chip And Dale Cookies at Magic Kingdom for $5.99 and thought they would be a great option to bring back home for your family or friends, they can get a tasty treat and collectible tin to use in their home!
The cookies are mini cinnamon graham cookies, sounds delicious! And come in an acorn shaped box with Chip and Dale artwork on the front, super adorable. You can use the box after finishing your cookies to store any little things around your home, add more cookies or simply use as a decor piece.
