We have some DELICIOUS news for Disney World Annual Passholders! The park is set to introduce an exclusive treat that will tickle your taste buds โ the Hei Hei Liege Waffle. Inspired by the adorable and funny rooster from the popular movie “Moana,” this new snack is a must-try for Disney fans of all ages.
The passholder exclusive waffle, which will be available January 29 to February 23, 2024, features a liege waffle made with brioche dough, topped with pearl sugar and a Hei Hei chocolate garnish. The waffle is being released alongside the newest passholder magnet, which also features Hei Hei.
The waffle will be available at Connections Cafรฉ in EPCOT. To purchase the waffle, passholders must present their valid Annual Pass ID from the Tickets and Passes section of their My Disney Experience app and a valid government-issued photo ID.
The waffle is available only for a limited time and while supplies last, so be sure to get one before they are gone!
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!
The 96th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled today in an event hosted by Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid at the esteemed Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Disney emerged triumphantly, securing several notable nominations across various categories.
Pixar’s “Elemental” achieved recognition with a nomination for Best Animated Film, setting the stage for a competitive face-off against Sony’s Marvel film, “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse,” and the former Disney production, “Nimona.”
20th Century Studios’ “The Creator” garnered two nominations for its outstanding achievements in special effects and sound. Meanwhile, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3” earned a nod in the prestigious Best Visual Effects category. The soundtrack of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” was acknowledged with a well-deserved nomination. Additionally, the upcoming Disney+ Original short, “Nวi Nai and Wร i Pรณ,” secured a nomination in the highly competitive Best Short category. On the documentary front, National Geographic’s “Bobi Wine For President” received a nomination for Best Documentary.
ยฉ 2023 MARVEL.
Searchlight Pictures’ “Poor Things” emerged as a standout, dominating the nominations with an impressive eleven nods, encompassing categories such as Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Director. The impactful documentary “The Last Repair Shop” earned a nomination for Best Short Documentary and was promptly added to Disney+ earlier today. Furthermore, the stirring song from “Flamin Hot” was recognized with a nomination in the Best Song category.
As the anticipation builds, Disney enthusiasts eagerly await the results of the 96th Academy Awards, where these outstanding films and contributions will be celebrated on the grand stage of cinematic excellence.
Hereโs the full nomination list:
Best supporting actor
Sterling K. Brown, “American Fiction”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer”
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Mark Ruffalo, “Poor Things”
Best costume design
“Barbie” โ Jacqueline Durran
“Killers of the Flower Moon” โ Jacqueline West
“Napoleon” โ David Crossman, Janty Yates
“Oppenheimer” โ Ellen Mirojnick
“Poor Things” โ Holly Waddington
Best makeup and hairstyling
“Golda”
“Maestro”
“Oppenheimer”
“Poor Things”
“Society of the Snow”
Best live-action short film
“The After”
“Invincible”
“Knight of Fortune”
“Red, White and Blue”
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”
Best animated short film
“Letter to a Pig”
“Ninety-Five Senses”
“Our Uniform”
“Pachyderme”
“War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”
Best adapted screenplay
“American Fiction” – Cord Jefferson
“Barbie” – Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig
“Oppenheimer” – Christopher Nolan
“Poor Things” – Tony McNamara
“The Zone of Interest” – Jonathan Glazer
Best original screenplay
“Anatomy of a Fall” – Justine Triet, Arthur Harari
“The Holdovers” – David Hemingson
“Maestro” – Bradley Cooper, Josh Singer
“May December” – Samy Burch, Alex Mechanik
“Past Lives” – Celine Song
Best supporting actress
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
America Ferrera, “Barbie”
Jodie Foster, “Nyad”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers”
Best original song
“The Fire Inside” from “Flaminโ Hot”
“I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
“It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Marvel Studios has officially revealed The Marvels Disney+ release date for its latest superhero ensemble film featuring Oscar winner Brie Larson in the role of Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel.
After a theatrical run of over two months, The Marvels is set to hit Disney+ on Wednesday, February 7. Despite falling short of box office projections with a global earnings of just over $200 million, the film boasts an Audience score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from over 2,500 verified ratings.
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, once a powerhouse at the box office, has encountered a shift in fortunes. “The Marvels” faced a challenging start in its opening weekend, securing a mere $47 million โ marking the MCU’s weakest debut in history.
With an estimated budget of $300 million, the film fell short of initial optimistic projections of $75-80 million, settling for a more modest expectation of $60-65 million as the release date approached. Despite being the 33rd MCU installment over 15 years, the film failed to meet even these lowered anticipations.
Several factors contributed to the film’s struggles, including unfavorable buzz and the absence of key cast members, such as Brie Larson, due to the SAG strike, which fortunately concluded just in time for the release. Among the extensive MCU lineup, only two films โ “The Incredible Hulk” in 2008 and “Ant-Man” in 2015 โ experienced weaker openings without adjusting for inflation.
While “The Marvels” serves as a noticeable stumble for the MCU, other major releases in the same year, such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” in February ($106 million) and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” in May ($118 million), still managed to achieve impressive box office numbers, reaching the coveted triple-digit figures. “The Marvels” stands out as an anomaly in the MCU landscape, as these movies typically don’t face stumbling blocks right from the start, unlike this particular installment.
Did you see The Marvels in theaters? Let us know your thoughts on this film and why it wasn’t a success despite it’s higher than average audience score.
First Look at New Art Nouveau Shanghai Disney Resort Hotel
The Shanghai Disney Resort recently shared a first look at concept art for the third hotel coming to the resort. This third hotel is currently under construction and a groundbreaking ceremony was held last September.
The concept art reveals a hotel featuring art nouveau architecture and gardens in front of the porte-cochรจre. Defined by its organic lines and curves, the art nouveau style permeates the design. Infused with Disney storytelling, the hotel pays tribute to Shanghai’s architectural legacy from the 20th century. The building, predominantly white with touches of green and gold, is complemented by squared-off trees along the drive. Positioned on the shores of Wishing Star Lake, the hotel offers views of Shanghai Disneyland.
This hotel has yet to be named and will have 400 guest rooms, making it the smallest of the resort’s hotels. Along with lovely guest rooms, the hotel will also include new dining, shopping, and entertainment.
“This is going to be gorgeous,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said when introducing the concept art in Shanghai last month. “I think what this tells us is we are inspired by what we see here in Shanghai. I think the future is incredibly bright for Shanghai Disney Resort.”
Have you ever visited the Shanghai Disney Resort?
If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I would love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disneyland Shares New Details on Downtown Disney District Update
The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is currently undergoing a transformation. The resort recently shared an update along with a first look at some of the dining spots that are coming to the area.
Hereโs a first look at renderings for the new Parkside Market, a curated collection of four diverse culinary concepts from Levy Restaurants, all under one roof, as part of the expansion of the district on the west end. As Disney recently shared, Parkside Market will bring Seoul Sister, a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls); Sip & Sonder serving lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites; GGโs Chicken Shop with chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides; and a second story bar with great views of the district to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails paired with tantalizing appetizers.
Earl of Sandwich News!
Earl of Sandwich fans, great news! Plans are in the works for an all-new, two-story location in Downtown Disney District, with a quick-service Earl of Sandwich shop on the ground level and a table-service gastropub upstairs. More information is on the way!
In the meantime, keep an eye out for a temporary Earl of Sandwich pop-up opening soon near Star Wars Trading Post. Here, you will be able to pick up sandwiches such as The Original 1762, The Full Montagu or my personal must-have, the Holiday Turkey, as well as hand-crafted wraps, salads and sweets.
As Disney previously shared, Earl of Sandwich will be relocated from its temporary location on the east end of the district near the Esplanade to make way for the design and construction of an all-new Portoโs Bakery.
Sneak Peek at Paseo and Cรฉntrico, and Announcing Tiendita!
Next, letโs take a sneak peek at whatโs coming to the center of the district later this spring โ the new Paseo and Cรฉntrico โ and announcing, Tiendita! With menus created by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytรกn, the Paseo upstairs dining room and the first floor Cรฉntrico courtyard bar and restaurant will offer upscale Mexican cuisine and tequila-based cocktails, while next door, Tiendita will offer Chef Gaytรกnโs Mexican heritage flavors on-the-go, with quick-service Mexican street-food staples.
Weโve been talking about whatโs to come, and of course, there is so much to enjoy now! One of our favorite new spots to relax and listen to music is at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn. You can dance and sing along to various genres of music including Motown, rock, jazz, pop and reggae. Be sure to check the entertainment schedule for seasonal and specialty performances throughout the year.
Whether itโs distinctive dining, shopping or entertainment, Downtown Disney District is a destination all its own to have a great time with your family and friends. Currently, there are dozens of restaurants, snack stops, boutiques and entertainment venues for you to visit including Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, Ballast Point Brewing Co., Naples Ristorante e Bar, Wetzelโs Pretzel, PANDORA Jewelry, Lovepop, California Sole and World of Disney!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? 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 vacation.
Pricing Released for 2024 Garden Rocks Dining Packages at EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is coming up soon and we now know the pricing for the Garden Rocks Dining Packages! Guests visiting the park during the festival can enjoy the Garden Rocks Concert Series included with the cost of their ticket. For reserved seating at one of the concerts, they’ll want to purchase a dining package.
Spice Road Table: Meal includes two (2) small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Other Participating Restaurants: Meal includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert OR a full buffet (where applicable), as well as one non-alcoholic beverage
One (1) guaranteed seat per person to one Garden Rocks concert on the same day
Booking for Garden Rocks Dining Packages opens on February 6, 2024. The concert lineup is as follows:
The Vybe: February 28-29
Jason Scheff: March 1-2
Richard Marx: March 3-4
Evolution Motown: March 5-7
Berlin: March 8-9
Rick Springfield: March 10-11
Dian Diaz: March 12-14
Modern English: March 15-16 (NEW)
Commodores: March 17-18
Foreigners Journey: March 19-21
The Orchestra: March 22-25
The Female Collective: March 26-28
Mike DelGuidice: March 29-30
The Pointer Sisters: March 31 โ April 1
Funkafied: April 2-4
Blue October: April 5-6
Crowder: April 7-8 (NEW)
The Hooligans: April 9-11
Jo Dee Messina: April 12-13
A Flock of Seagulls: April 14-15
M-80โs: April 16-18
Plain White Tโs: April 19-22
The Champagne Orchestra: April 23-25
Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas: April 26-27
Hermanโs Hermits Starring Peter Noone: April 28-29
Southbound: April 30 โ May 2
Monsieur Perine: May 3
Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Magic Juan: May 4
Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band: May 5
TBA: May 6
Gilly & The Girl Band: May 7-9
Simple Plan: May 10-13
Element: May 14-16
The Spinners: May 17-18
TBA: May 19-20
Epic Live!: May 21-23
Lit: May 24-25 (NEW)
TBA: May 26-27
Are you looking forward to the Garden Rocks Concert Series this year?
If you’d like help planning your visit to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, 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 vacation.
Hungry Bear Restaurant Now Offers On the Go Dining
Hungry Bear Restaurant at Disneyland will soon offer a different way to dine. Starting January 26 guests can enjoy the Hungry Bear Restaurant On the Go Package!
The Disneyland website describes the restaurant as:
โPicnic on a menu of delicious quick-service fare with a nod to the American South as well as delicious home-style desserts in the middle of the woods. Cross a wooden bridge and stroll through a pine forest to a rustic retreat, where an eager beaver statue welcomes you and your cubs with an all-important question: โHungry?โ We sure hope so!
Paw through cheeseburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches or refreshing BBQ chicken salads. chicken tenders, hamburgers, cheesy macaroni and healthy snacks will satisfy your little ones.
If youโre truly ravenous, try our BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, served with a side of French fries or Cutiesยฎ mandarin oranges for a real humdinger of a meal! Those who prefer a critter-friendly meal can try the Classic Impossibleโข Cheeseburger.
But some of our bear-y favorite items are our desserts, made with TLC the old-fashioned way. Sink your teeth into a House-Made Funnel Cake or Seasonal Funnel Cake drenched in a delectable topping.โ
The Adult On the Go Package includes choice of Entrรฉe, served with Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables, choice of Beverage and choice of Nestlรฉยฎ Mickey’s Ice Cream Bar or Outshineยฎ Strawberry Fruit Bar. This package is $35.
The Kids On the Go Package is $25 and includes choice of Entrรฉe, served with Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables, choice of small DASANIยฎ Water or small Lowfat Milk and choice of Nestlรฉยฎ Mickey’s Ice Cream Bar or Outshineยฎ Strawberry Fruit Bar.
There are also plant-based options for each of those packages as well.
Will you be trying a Hungry Bear Restaurant On the Go Package on your next visit to Disneyland?
If youโd like to plan your next Disneyland trip, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free. Iโd love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Until now, Pirates of the Caribbean was only accessible via the standby line. Today, the ride has been temporarily added to the Genie+ system at Disneyland.
Pirates of the Caribbean
begins in a shadowy bayou, where youโll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates Grotto. Dead men tell no talesโbut they guard their treasure for all eternity.
Navigate cannon fire between a fort and a 12-gun galleon. Glide into port and behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunder. Skulk past the well-armed lass who commands a colorful auction of villagersโ goods.
Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, โYo Ho (A Pirateโs Life for Me).โ Witness flames engulf the town and pass prisoners trapped in their jail cell, doggedly trying to escape.
Some guests are excited to see the ride receive a Lightning Lane access while others think itโll lengthen a relatively shorter wait for the ride. Are you looking forward to using Genie+ on Pirates of the Caribbean?
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
Attention all Walt Disney World Annual Passholders: an all-new Hei Hei Annual Passholder Magnet is coming your way! Disney recently teased a new Moana-themed magnet will be coming soon, and we can now confirm this magnet will feature Hei Hei!
The new magnet can be picked up at the Creations Shop in EPCOT from January 29 through February 23 between 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. These magnets are available only while supplies last, so you’ll want to get there early to ensure you get yours!
Before you head over to EPCOT, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Park Admission and Reservation: To enter EPCOT and grab your magnet, you’ll need valid park admission and a theme park reservation for the same date. Alternatively, if you’re visiting after 2:00 PM or on a day marked as ‘good-to-go,’ you can enter without a reservation. Keep in mind that theme park reservations are limited and can run out, so plan accordingly.
Passholder Identification: Every Passholder must be present to receive their magnet. You’ll need to show your valid Annual Pass card, a linked MagicBand or MagicBand+, or your Disney MagicMobile pass. Don’t forget to bring a government-issued photo ID too.
One Magnet Per Passholder: Remember, it’s one magnet for each Passholder.
While Supplies Last: The magnets are available only as long as they last, so they might run out before the end of the giveaway period.
No Responsibility for Lost Items: Keep in mind that if your magnet gets lost, stolen, or damaged, it won’t be replaced.
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!
New Grogu Ear Headband Will Bring The Force Of Charm To Your Style!
This adorable Grogu Ear Headband just materialized online at shopDisney for $29.99! A perfect headband for all the Star Wars fans out there, definitely worth adding to your collection.
It features green padded velour ears with the Death Star and butterflies embroidered all around. The bow is made of white sherpa and features a Baby Yoda embroidered patch ready to use the force of charm on all who pass by.
The beautiful mug features Cinderella Castle with fireworks and Tinkbell Bell spreading pixie dust over it plus other famous icons like the flowers from It’s A Small World, a Mickey Mouse Ear Hat, Flying Dumbo, Big Thunder Mountain, Sonny Eclipse, a Dole Whip, Jose from the Tiki Room, Dapper Dans, Popcorn, TRON plus Magic Kingdom logo.
You can take a closer look this mug in our Instagram post:
Get ready to don your best polka dots and indulge in the magic of National Polka Dot Day with a delightful array of Minnie Mouse-inspired treats! From charming sundaes to delectable desserts, Disney Addicts can savor the sweetness of this iconic day with a touch of Minnie’s signature style.
New Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae: Embark on a delicious adventure with the brand-new Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae, making its debut at various quick-service restaurants across select Disney Resort Hotels. This whimsical creation promises a delightful blend of flavors and textures, embodying the playful spirit of Minnie Mouse herself. Be among the first to taste this delightful concoction and elevate your National Polka Dot Day celebration!
Minnie Sweet Strawberry Waffle Sundae: For those seeking a burst of fruity goodness, the Minnie Sweet Strawberry Waffle Sundae, currently available at Marketplace Snacks, is a must-try. Indulge in the sweetness of Minnie’s favorite fruit with this delectable dessert that combines the richness of waffles with the freshness of sweet strawberries. It’s a delightful treat that perfectly captures Minnie’s timeless charm.
Minnie Mouse Dome Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie: Make your National Polka Dot Day celebration extra special with the Minnie Mouse Dome Cake, a delightful creation available at Amorette’s Patisserie. This intricately designed dessert showcases Minnie’s iconic polka dots in a delectable cake form. Immerse yourself in the artistry of this sweet masterpiece while savoring the flavors that pay homage to everyone’s favorite fashionista.
New Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae at Hollywood Scoops: If you find yourself at Hollywood Scoops, be sure to try the new Minnie Kitchen Sink Sundae, offering a delightful twist on the classic sundae experience. Indulge in a cascade of flavors as you explore this delightful creation, adorned with Minnie’s signature polka dots. It’s an irresistible treat that adds a touch of whimsy to your National Polka Dot Day festivities.
