Grand Floridian Refurbishment is continuing full steam ahead
The much-needed updates to the Grand Floridan are continuing on full-steam ahead, with a refreshment to the interior areas that overlook the main lobby currently underway.
The floor continues to be covered in plywood for protection. Additional work on the ground-floor lobby area has not yet started.
Most of the lobby has been overtaken by the construction walls and plywood flooring, with lobby seating only available on the outskirts.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and Disney is renovating the resort to restore its status as the flagship resort at Walt Disney World. Guest rooms and the exterior of the buildings have been refreshed, and the lobby will soon undergo a much-needed update.
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!
Disneyland Paris Unveils Exclusive Villainous Night Event for Passholders
In a thrilling announcement that has sent ripples of excitement through the Disney enthusiast community, Disneyland Paris has revealed its upcoming special event titled ‘Villainous Night.’ Exclusively designed for Disneyland Pass and Annual Pass members, this remarkable evening promises an unforgettable experience set to take place on Friday, September 29th, 2023, from 9:45 pm to 2 am, with event access available starting from 6:30 pm.
Set within the enchanting backdrop of Disneyland Park, this unique event is poised to transport attendees into a world that shrouds the familiar with an air of intrigue and darkness. The park will undergo a spectacular transformation, turning into a realm of shadows and mystery, where iconic villains from beloved Disney tales lurk, waiting to cast their spell on the attendees.
At the heart of ‘Villainous Night’ lies an epic quest, tailor-made for intrepid explorers eager to embark on a journey of discovery. Attendees will be challenged to unearth precious artifacts that lay hidden in the park’s most enigmatic corners. As darkness falls and the moonlight bathes the landscape, participants will find themselves on a quest that promises suspense, adventure, and a dash of trepidation. This interactive narrative promises to blur the lines between reality and the fantastical, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for attendees.
Adding a layer of creativity and excitement, participants are strongly encouraged to embrace the spirit of the event by donning their most wickedly enchanting costumes. The ‘Villainous Night’ is an ideal occasion to channel your inner Disney villain or bring to life a character that thrives in the shadows.
The announcement of this exclusive event has sparked fervent anticipation among Disneyland Pass and Annual Pass members. As the date draws near, the atmosphere is ripe with curiosity and eagerness to partake in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a rendezvous with the enigmatic, a dance with the sinister, and a chance to explore the darker facets of the enchanting Disney universe.
As the clock ticks closer to September 29th, attendees are preparing to immerse themselves in an evening of mystery, adventure, and enchantment, all under the watchful eyes of Disney’s most iconic villains. The ‘Villainous Night’ event promises to be an exceptional experience that will leave a lasting mark on the hearts of those who dare to step into the shadows and embrace the magic of the unknown.
Sales open on Thursday 31st August at 11 am. Bookings are only available via this link.
Once live, the link will redirect you to a virtual queuing system.
Tickets cost €55 per person.
✅ IMPORTANT: The e-tickets are nominative.
Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable. The name on the e-ticket must match the name on the Pass.
👥 The plus one must arrive with the Disneyland Pass or Annual Pass member at the Disneyland Park entrance to validate their ticket and collect their bracelet & event programme.
Reduced-price tickets (-25%) for people with reduced mobility (and for a maximum of 1 accompanying persons) will be available at the Park entrance on the day of the event, on presentation of the usual supporting documents. It is not required to book these tickets in advance.
* Please note that it will not be possible to meet with the Disney Characters.
This adorable loaf of Baymax bread will be available at the Boudin Bread Cart in San Fransokyo Square starting August 31. There is a limit of 2 per person, per transaction while supplies last.
You are sure to be satisfied with your healthcare companion bread. How could you even eat this cute little guy?
Will you be waiting in line to get yourself a loaf of Baymax bread?
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
First Look at Ahsoka Now Appearing at the Disneyland Resort
Disney recently shared a first look at Ahsoka Tano now meeting guests at the Disneyland Resort! This is just the newest character guests can see roaming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Ahsoka Tano, from the new Disney+ series ‘Ahsoka’, is now meeting guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the Disneyland Resort! Guests will find her roaming Batuu near Black Spire Outpost. She takes pictures with guests but doesn’t stop for an official meet and greet.
She also carries her curved-handled lightsabers and wears the arm braces that she wore in the “Star Wars Rebels” animated series.
There are also some new Magic Shots available at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to celebrate the premier of ‘Ahsoka’ on Disney+.
The Chopper and Loth Cat Magic Shots are available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The Clone Armory Disney PhotoPass Lens is available in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service.
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
The Tiana’s Palace lunch and dinner menus have been released ahead of the new restaurant’s opening! Tiana’s Palace will be opening in Disneyland on September 7 and will feature new menu items that represent Tiana’s story and honor the flavors and flair of New Orleans.
House-filled Beignet: Featuring Lemon Ice Box Pie Filling topped with Lemon Glaze – $4.49
Entrees
House Gumbo: Braised Chicken, Andouille Sausage and Heirloom Rice – $16.99
7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage: White Beans, Okra, Yams, Sweet Potatoes and Heirloom Rice – $16.99
Cajun Spiced Half Chicken: brushed with BBQ Sauce served with Baked Macaroni and Cheese & Coleslaw – $19.49
Muffuletta Sandwich: Mortadella, Salami, Rosemary Ham, Cheddar, Provolone and House-made Olive Relish on Toasted New Orleans Sesame Seed Bread, served with Red Beans & Rice and House-made Pickles – $14.99
Beef Po’boy Sandwich: Slow-cooked Beef in Gravy dressed with Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Mayonnaise on a Toasted New Orleans French Bread, served with Red Beans & Rice and House-made Pickles – $15.99
Gulf Shrimp and Grits: simmered in Creole Sauce with Cheesy Grits – $17.49
Southern Specialties
Buttermilk Cornbread – $3.99
Joffrey’s Coffee™ Chicory Cold Brew with Sweet Cream – $5.99
Plant-Based
7 Greens Gumbo: White Beans, Okra, Yams, Sweet Potatoes and Heirloom Rice – $14.49
Kids’ Disney Check Meals
Roasted Chicken Drumstick with Sweet BBQ Sauce and Heirloom Rice served with a Cuties® Mandarin Orange and Applesauce with choice of Small DASANI® Water or Small Lowfat Milk – $8.49
Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich: Savory Ham and Provolone served with a Cuties® Mandarin Orange and Applesauce with choice of Small DASANI® Water or Small Lowfat Milk – $8.49
Kids’ Meal
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: served with a Cuties® Mandarin Orange and Applesauce with choice of Small DASANI® Water or Small Lowfat Milk – $7.99
Beverages
Ray Firefly Glow Cube with purchase of beverage. Limit ten (10) per person, per transaction – $5.69
Cold Brew Joffrey’s™ Chicory Cold Brew – $5.49
Minute Maid® Fruit Punch – $2.49
Lowfat Milk – $2.49
Chocolate Milk – $2.49
DASANI® Bottled Water – $4.39
Assorted Fountain Beverages Regular – $4.59
Assorted Fountain Beverages Large – $5.29
There is also a decent size allergy-friendly menu at the restaurant.
What menu item(s) are you looking forward to trying?
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Stormalong Bay Pool Closing for Lengthy Refurbishment at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
The Stormalong Bay pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closing for a long refurbishment in 2025. The refurbishment will be for routine maintenance.
“In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience, we refresh our offerings from time to time. From January 2025 through May 2025, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed for routine maintenance. Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours.
During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools.”
While the refurbishment is happening, guests will have access to the other pools at the resorts. If you plan to stay at either resort soon, you have plenty of time before this refurbishment starts.
Stormalong Bay
Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland.
Climb the mast and zip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river, unwind in one of 3 whirlpool spas and relax on the elevated tanning deck. Children can wade into the main pool from a gentle slope and splash about in 2 kiddie pools—including one with a miniature waterslide.
Ready to plan your next Disney World trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
First Look at the Food & Drinks Coming to Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland
Tiana’s Palace is opening in Disneyland on September 7! Today, we got a first look at the tasty food & drinks that will be available at the new restaurant.
Nestled on Orleans Street, this soon-to-be hotspot will be serving up can’t-miss classics like gumbo and beignets, but with a tasty twist you can only get at this quick-service location. You can even use mobile order to get all the new bites on the way.
With flavors and ingredients coming right out of New Orleans, this new spot is going to be the place to be on your next visit to Disneyland Resort.
If you love gumbo, you’re in for a treat because this spot will feature a couple different options for you to try. The 7 Greens Gumbo is a must-try plant-based option. It features white beans, okra, yams, sweet potatoes, and heirloom rice. You can also feast upon the 7 Greens Gumbo with Chicken & Andouille Sausage if you’re wanting something a little extra. And of course, we’ve got the House Gumbo. This dish is a New Orleans staple combining braised chicken, andouille sausage, and heirloom rice into a mouthwatering delight that’ll leave you coming back for more.
For those wanting a little extra spice from down in New Orleans, the Cajun Spice Half Chicken is the dish for you. The chicken is brushed with a house-made chicory BBQ sauce and served with baked macaroni and cheese & coleslaw. What a combo!
Are handhelds your meal of choice? Tiana’s got you covered too – don’t you worry. The Muffuletta Sandwich stacks mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread. Another staple, the Beef Po-boy Sandwich features some slow-cooked beef perfectly coated with gravy and fully dressed with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise atop toasted New Orleans French bread. Both tasty bites are served alongside red beans and rice and house-made pickles.
Do you love shrimp? Do you love grits? What about shrimp and grits? Well, it’s your lucky day because Tiana is also serving up the Gulf Shrimp and Grits for you. Grilled to perfection and tossed in a Creole sauce, the shrimp are then paired with cheesy grits to form a classic dish that will transport you down the bayou with each bite.
If you want a little something extra to add to your meal, the chefs have put together a lovely array of classic sides, like the Buttermilk Cornbread, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Red Beans & Heirloom Rice, Coleslaw, Cheesy Grits, and plant-based Heirloom Rice.
For the little ones, there are also some kid meals they’ll love. The Roasted Chicken Drumstick is served with a sweet BBQ sauce and heirloom rice, while the Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich is topped with savory ham and provolone. Also, a classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is on the menu for the kids too! All three of these are accompanied by a Cuties Mandarin Orange and applesauce with choice of DASANI Water or small low-fat milk.
Now onto the star of the show … No restaurant inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” could be complete without beignets, and at Tiana’s Palace, dessert is always first. But these delights aren’t your average beignets – oh, no. The House-filled Beignet features a delicious lemon icebox pie filling topped with lemon glaze for the perfect bite.
A specialty sip is also on the menu. The Joffrey’s Coffee Chicory Cold Brew topped with sweet cream is a must for those coffee lovers out there. The Ray Firefly Glow Cube is also available with the purchase of a beverage. This adorable addition will light up your drink just like Evangeline lights up the night sky.
Last but certainly not least, if you want to take home a piece of Tiana’s Palace with you, the Lily Pad and Lotus Cup Ceramic Set is for you. And it even comes with a House-filled Beignet for you to sink your teeth into.
Wow – what a tasty lineup the chefs have created! I can’t wait to get a taste of New Orleans right in Disneyland park. With exciting new openings like Tiana’s Palace, there’s no limit to the foodie fun to be had at Disney Parks.
Ready to plan your visit to Disneyland? 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.
There are two different styles, a Mike and Sulley made out of acetate that are 3.5 inches long and 2 inches wide, making them great for thicker and longer hair.
Go Trick Or Treating With This Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Light Up Backpack!
The Halloween season is upon us, this new Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Light Up Backpack available at Loungefly.com for $90 is perfect to take with you on your trick or treating adventures!
It features an all over spiderwebs and hidden Mickey icons pattern, a jack-o-lantern front pocket that also lights up, Mickey coming out of the pumpkin looking super adorable and a Mickey Mouse pumpkin o the back. A must have for this spooky season for sure!
New Mickey Mouse Ghost Loungefly Backpack For This Halloween!
You will look BOOtiful with this new Mickey Mouse Ghost Loungefly Backpack that also glows in the dark! You can get it at Loungefly.com for $90 before it disappears.
It features Mickey Mouse in ghost form looking super adorable and ready to celebrate Halloween with you! And to make it even better, it also glows in the dark! A great option for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Descendant of Director Behind Animated Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Condemns Live-Action Remake as a “Disgrace”
David Hand, the offspring of the director behind Disney’s original animated masterpiece “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” expressed his strong disapproval of the live-action remake, characterizing it as a “disgrace,” in an interview with The Telegraph.
Rachel Zegler takes on the role of Princess Snow White in the live-action rendition. Recently, comments from Zegler resurfaced where she referred to the original “Snow White” as “extremely dated” and drew parallels between the Prince’s actions and “stalking.” Zegler also conveyed that the new adaptation would depict Snow White as “a formidable leader.” Although the film will introduce a male protagonist portrayed by Andrew Burnap, he won’t embody the traditional Prince Charming archetype. Whether a romantic narrative will feature in the film remains uncertain.
Zegler articulated, “She won’t be rescued by a prince, nor will her aspirations revolve around true love.”
In response, 91-year-old Hand, who contributed to Disney’s endeavors in the ’90s, asserted that Zegler misunderstands the essence of the film. He emphasized that the younger generation “haven’t actually seen the original” and thus, their perspectives are misinformed.
He critically remarked on the live-action remake, “It diverges from the fundamental concept, and I strongly disagree with it. Both my father and Walt Disney would share my sentiment.” He emphasized that the original film was crafted “with refinement during its creation” and lamented Disney’s attempt to “reinvent something that was extraordinarily successful in the past.”
Numerous live-action adaptations have seized the chance to rectify racist, sexist, and ableist elements from their animated predecessors while also introducing greater diversity. Zegler, who is of Colombian heritage, and a group of “magical beings” with diverse physical attributes will replace the seven dwarfs.
Hand apprehensively anticipated the future of Disney’s early film adaptations, expressing concern over their radical departure from the source material. He criticized the introduction of new “woke” elements, viewing it as a disregard for the original essence of these classics. He firmly believed that this direction disrespects the legacies of both Disney and his father, and speculated that they would be dismayed by the present course.
He conjectured that Adriana Caselotti, the voice behind Snow White in the 1937 film, would find the notion of casting doubts on the princess’s feminist identity as unsettling.
The live-action rendition of “Snow White” is slated for a 2024 release.
Be sure to vote for Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin Luminights!
Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights, sponsored by Covenant Health, has become one of the park’s most beloved annual gatherings since its inception in 2017. The event is so beloved it has once again been nominated for the prestigious USA Today 10Best Award in the category of Best Theme Park Halloween event.
Running from September 20th to October 30th, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival offers delightful autumnal entertainment for families. As they meander through Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, Wildwood Grove, and Craftsman’s Valley areas, they will be immersed in the mesmerizing glow of countless intricately designed pumpkins on display. Beyond these impressive showcases, a plethora of engaging activities awaits, perfect for forging new cherished memories together.
Throughout the festival, artists spanning various genres deliver numerous performances, while skilled craftspeople proudly present their artistry to the delight of guests. Adding to the experience, Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team offers a delectable array of harvest-themed menu items. Each day presents a picturesque opportunity for families to partake in the richness of a Smoky Mountain harvest.
A panel of esteemed experts, including editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, and relevant specialist contributors, handpick the nominees for all categories. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin Luminights will not win, however, unless you vote! You can access the voting page through a link provided at www.dollywood.com/vote. Every eligible individual has the privilege to cast their vote once daily per device.
For comprehensive details about Dollywood’s captivating Great Pumpkin LumiNights and the Harvest Festival, visit Dollywood.com or access the Dollywood app.
About Dollywood
A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 165-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Currently under construction, the 302-room Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is scheduled for completion in 2023. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of 48 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 28 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment. The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park and was named in 2022 by Tripadvisor as the #1 theme park in the country based on actual guest reviews. It also has been recognized as a top-three U.S. theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open mid-March through early January and offers rides and attractions, shows and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and Tripadvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, a favorite of USA Today voters and Tripadvisor reviewers, provides guests with spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
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!
