Hong Kong Disneyland Gets a Super Cute Groot Popcorn Bucket
The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort once again gets something all US Disney park goers are envious of. A super cute Groot popcorn bucket has sprouted up at the parks and we wish we could get our hands on one!
The cutest popcorn bucket in the galaxy has arrived in Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland. The base looks like a white plant pot and the words “I am Groot”. Groot is planted in the pot, wearing headphones, and appears to be dancing to whatever he’s listening to. The bucket comes with a blue carrying strap.
Figment Spaceship Earth Show Returns to Festival of the Arts
The Figment Spaceship Earth show has returned to Epcot for the Festival of the Arts! This nighttime show lights up Spaceship Earth periodically after sunset.
The light display draws inspiration not only from Figment but also from the original Journey Into Imagination ride. It commences with the voice of the Dreamfinder singing excerpts from “One Little Spark,” the theme song of the ride, particularly from the art section of the original ride. As Dreamfinder mentions various colors, the lights on Spaceship Earth undergo corresponding changes.
Subsequently, vibrant hexagons and stripes seem to dance around Spaceship Earth. Certain lights transform into stars. Dreamfinder and Figment then perform the “One Little Spark” stanza, focusing on theatrical performances and alluding to costumes and sets.
While Figment serenades the “Imagination” chorus from “One Little Spark,” the lights persist in their lively dance, enveloping Spaceship Earth in a cascade of white stars. The sphere is then adorned with a spectrum of colors that harmonize with the song’s lyrics and beats.
Concluding the Figment light show, a mesmerizing display of white stars forms a captivating swirl across and around Spaceship Earth. This enchanting spectacle of the Figment Spaceship Earth light show can be enjoyed from the park’s entrance area or from World Celebration Gardens on the opposite side of Spaceship Earth.
Ready to experience Epcot International Festival of the Arts in person? Contact me today to start planning your trip! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Lookout Cay Port Adventures Coming to Disney Cruise Line All New Lighthouse Point
Disney Cruise Line’s new Lighthouse Point is opening later this year for guests to enjoy. Guests can venture beyond Disney Lookout Cay to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera with an exciting collection of all-new adventures—specially developed in partnership with local tour operators. From biking and kayaking along the island’s pristine coastline, to snorkeling through tropical reefs or exploring mystical caves and lush forest aboard an off-road buggy—exciting adventures await guests at every turn.
Take a look at just a few of the port adventures available at Lookout Cay.
Hit the road with friends and family on a 4-hour adventure exploring the island’s highlights.
On this adventure you will…
Embark on an unforgettable excursion through South Eleuthera via a private SUV and experience the freedom of following your own itinerary at your own pace.
Relax in an air-conditioned SUV, complete with a driver-guide who will share points of interest and historical facts along the way.
Meet your private driver-guide at Mabrika Cove Tram Stop and discuss what you would like to see and do. Alternatively, let your driver-guide customize an itinerary that makes the most of your day in port. Some of the highlights around South Eleuthera include Ocean Hole, Cathedral Cave, Pink Beach and Rock Sound Shipping Dock and Market.
Bahama Bank Escape
Relaxation and endless fun await—snorkel the pristine waters, float above the waves under the shade of an umbrella and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
On this adventure you will…
Meet your guide at Turbit Berth. Then take a short walk down to the marina where your catamaran awaits.
Depart the marina and sail 15 to 20 minutes to the scenic Bahama Bank, or a similar site based on weather and sea conditions.
Dive into crystal-clear waters alongside your safety snorkelers. Relax on a floating mat under the shade of an umbrella or snorkel amid underwater life. Water toys are available.
After a little over an hour exploring the wonders below the surface, board your vessel and sail back to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—along the way, enjoy a cup of nonalcoholic fruit punch.
Banana Boat
Expect to get wet during this fun-filled, splash-a-second, thrill-seekers water adventure.
On this adventure you will…
Your adventure begins at Turbit Berth. Here, you’ll meet your guide, receive a safety briefing and don your lifejacket before taking a short walk down to the marina.
Board the Banana Boat and hold on tight for a thrilling ride around the shores of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Take in the amazing views of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point as you are towed in the wake of a motor boat.
After your fun adventure, return to Turbit Berth.
Historical Nature and Awesome Buggy Tour
Discover paradise found during a stop at Gaulding Cay, one of the island’s most alluring white-sand beaches.
On this adventure you will…
Meet your experienced guide at the Mabrika Cove Tram Stop to pick up your equipment and receive a safety briefing.
Board a 4-person buggy and embark on an exhilarating adventure through scenic routes and off-road trails. Immersed in breathtaking natural surroundings, enjoy lush vegetation, coastal views and pristine beaches.
Make a stop at Gaulding Cay, one of the area’s most alluring white-sand beaches. Here, you can explore the shores, soak up the sun or take a dip in the clear turquoise waters.
Continue your buggy adventure through diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, rocky terrains, and dense forests.
Park your buggy and enjoy a short walk to the lighthouse, a historic landmark offering panoramic views of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Snap a few pictures or just soak up the ambience of the area before returning to Bannerman Town.
These are just a few of the exciting port adventures guests can experience at Lighthouse Point starting later this year!
Ready to plan your next cruise to Lighthouse Point? 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.
Two tasty new burgers have arrived at the Disneyland Resort! One can be found at Galactic Grill at Disneyland while the other is at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure.
In Tomorrowland at Galactic Grill you’ll find the Meteorite Medley Burger. It’s a burger made with Angus Beef & Vegetable Patty, Spiced Bacon, Smoky Chimichurri Relish, Avocado Mayo, Havarti, and Crispy Peppers on a Toasted Brioche Bun. The burger is available through mobile order.
In Cars Land at Flo’s V8 Cafe you can try the new Ka-Cheeseburger. This burger is made (choice of Angus Beef & Mushroom Patty or Angus Beef Patty) with Cheddar, 1000 Island, and Caramelized Onions on a Toasted Bun. Mobile order is also available for this burger.
If you’d like to plan your next visit to Disneyland to try these burgers, 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.
Disney World Extends Theme Park Hours in Late January and February 2024
Three of the four parks at Walt Disney World have extended their theme park hours in late January and February this year. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom have all extended their operating hours.
The initial schedule for Magic Kingdom had set its daily opening time at 9 a.m. from January 28 through February 3. However, there have been adjustments, and now the park will open at 8 a.m. on January 29, February 1, and February 3. Additionally, the closing time, originally set at 9 p.m. on most days, has been extended to 10 p.m. on January 28 and February 1, and to 11 p.m. on January 30, January 31, February 2, and February 3.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will experience earlier opening times on specific days. Initially set to open at 9 a.m. on January 29, February 2, and February 3, the schedule has been modified, and the park will now open at 8 a.m. on these particular days. The closing time will remain unchanged at 9 p.m.
There have been adjustments to the daily operating hours of Disney’s Animal Kingdom from January 28 to February 24. Initially slated to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the park will now open at 8 a.m. every day. Additionally, on January 28, February 1, February 2, and February 3, the park will extend its closing time by an extra hour, remaining open until 7 p.m. on these specific dates.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World in the next month or so?
If you’d like to plan your next trip to Disney World, contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can be among the first to experience this brand-new river cruise adventure.
Departing on June 28, 2025, Members can enjoy light touches of Membership Magic, including a special guest who will inspire you to unleash your inner artist onboard this 7-night sailing through Amsterdam, Brussels and more. Booking begins online on February 21, 2024 at 10 a.m. ET.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations and an array of exciting activities—plus the world-class service and signature storytelling expected when traveling with Adventures by Disney.
Immerse yourself in all that Holland and Belgium have to offer with this carefully crafted river cruise vacation that explores a wide range of special interests:
Rich History & Culture: Wander through medieval castles, fascinating museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 18th-century village Kinderdijk, home to 19 preserved windmills and dozens of canals.
World-Renowned Art: Marvel at the artistry and architecture of cities that inspired iconic Dutch painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt—among others—as you tour artisan workshops, Gothic churches and handicraft markets in old town squares.
Fine Dining & Local Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Belgian chocolate, explore historic breweries, visit famous cheese farms and embark on a host of tastings, where you’ll sample buttery baked goods, local beer, charcuterie nibbles and more.
Immersive Storytelling: Enjoy private tours and exciting workshops led by Adventure Guides and local experts, who will share stories of the people, cultures and traditions you’ll encounter on your trip.
Plus
A Special Member Experience: Enjoy light touches of Membership Magic from Disney Vacation Club, including a Special Guest who will inspire your inner artist.
Marvel at the works of true masters in art, engineering and gastronomy as you stroll through timeless European cities.
Glide down picturesque canals, discover traditional Dutch architecture and delight in delicious local treats like the Netherlands’ iconic stroopwafels. Visit spectacular sites such as windmills, castles, museums and much more!
Explore the scheduled itinerary for this 2025 Member-exclusive adventure:
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Amsterdam
Sunday, June 29, 2025 – Amsterdam to Utrecht
Monday, June 30, 2025 – Kinderdijk & Rotterdam
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – Ghent & Bruges
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Brussels
Thursday, July 3, 2025 – Antwerp
Friday, July 4, 2025 – Delft & Gouda
Saturday, July 5, 2025 – Amsterdam
Online booking opens on February 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.
To ensure a smooth online booking experience, please have information on hand about yourself and each person sailing with your party, including:
Member ID Number
First, second and third stateroom category choices, as popular options sell out quickly for this event
Party size
Number of adults and children
You can find more information about this new river cruise here.
Can’t miss Festival of the Arts Photopass Magic Shots
Explore your artistic flair, treat your taste buds to delectable dishes, and immerse yourself in captivating entertainment, and beyond at EPCOT—January 12 to February 19, 2024! The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is now underway, featuring not only exceptional food, entertainment, and artwork, but also introducing thrilling new and returning Disney PhotoPass experiences throughout the park for guests to enjoy.
Throughout the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, vibrant themed photo opportunities will be scattered around the park. Guests can discover that special spark by capturing moments with enchanting Magic Shots featuring the beloved Figment during the festival. Capture the whimsy of Figment Rainbow Chalk Art at Disney PhotoPass locations in World Showcase and near the waterfall close to Journey into Imagination with Figment.
Unleash your creativity with Light Painting – paint with all the colors in this Magic Shot! Find it near the planter across from the popcorn cart closest to Creations Shop in the new World Celebration area. Also, don’t miss the enchanting Figment and Mickey Mouse Glow Magic Shot, available at the main entrance of the park to the left and right during nighttime hours.
Experience the magic of flight with Figment Wings! This enchanting Magic Shot is offered by Disney PhotoPass photographers at various locations:
Near the planter close to the Disney Vacation Club kiosk heading onto the main bridge into World Showcase as you leave World Celebration.
Near the waterfall close to Journey into Imagination with Figment.
In the center of the new World Celebration area facing Spaceship Earth.
Transform every moment into a masterpiece with the Artist Desk Collage Magic Shot! You can discover this enchanting experience at the following locations:
Near the planter close to the Disney Vacation Club kiosk heading onto the main bridge into World Showcase as you leave World Celebration.
Near the waterfall close to Journey into Imagination with Figment.
In the center of the new World Celebration area facing Spaceship Earth
Unleash your inner artist with the Easel Magic Shot! Paint your way into this delightful experience, located in the center of the new World Celebration area facing Spaceship Earth.
Color us excited! We can’t wait to take get our photos taken with all these amazing Magic Shots! Have you visited Epcot for the Festival of Arts yet? Show us your Magic Shot photos in the comments below!
Get ready, foodies! The Ramen Rumble is coming back to Disney Springs on January 22nd, and this years event is shaping up to be bigger than ever! Hosted by Morimoto Asia, this thrilling culinary competition is where some of the best chefs in the community showcase their ramen-making skills.
Ramen Rumble isn’t just any food contest; it’s a battle to be crowned the ‘Ramen Royalty of Central Florida’ and win the coveted ‘Broth Belt’ trophy. Five talented chefs are gearing up to impress guests with their unique ramen styles, complete with creative toppings and textures. This year’s lineup includes Chef Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria, Chef Yoko Takagi of Ramen Takagi, Chef Lewin Lin of Susuru, Chef Sonny Nguyen of Domu, and Chef Takeshi Ikeuchi of Morimoto Asia. They’re all set to bring their A-game to the table!
Organized in partnership with Sue & Jason Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group, this event is about more than just amazing food. A portion of the proceeds will go to Give Kids the World, making it a win-win for everyone. There are still tickets available for the 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. seating. Prices start at $95++ for general admission and go up to $650++ for a VIP Booth. Hurry and grab your tickets before they’re all gone – this is one culinary showdown you won’t want to miss!
Exciting changes are on the horizon at the UK Pavilion in Epcot, as we recently noticed scaffolding rising along the backside of The Tea Caddy gift shop. . While the reason behind the scaffolding hasn’t been officially announced, it’s likely there for refurbishment work on the exterior of the buildings, a common practice to keep the park looking its best.
The archway leading into the pavilions gardens, as well as the back door of the Tea Caddy shop, have been blocked off. The gardens are currently open to guests during the refurbishment.
No official word from Disney on the duration of the work, nor the exact scope.
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!
Celebrating the Festival of the Arts at Disney is always a treat, but this year’s ‘Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine‘ is bringing a whole new level of fun to the event! . From snacks that look like they jumped out of a bright painting, to sips and bites that surprise your taste buds, this walk has it all. If you’re visiting the festival, get ready to fill your day with colors and flavors that are as awesome to eat as they are to look at!
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine at the Festival of the Arts is a food lover’s dream, offering a trail of artistically presented dishes, each representing a different color of the rainbow. To complete the wonderful walk, you need to pick up your Festival Passport, which lists the sweet and savory offerings available on the Wonderful Walk. You then need to purchase one food item from 5 of the listed locations, and receive a stamp. Once you have collected 5 stamps in your passport, you then just need to take it to Deco Delights Food Studio near Port of Entry to receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie!
If you are unable to snag all of the stamps in one visit, you can bring your passport back on a different day to complete the journey!
You will have seven items to select from on your journey to obtain your five stamps. Pop Eats serves up a classic comfort food duo with their Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, alongside a creative twist featuring Tomato Soup with Pimento Cheese, Bacon, and Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese. Vibrante & Vívido offers a flavorful Chorizo and Potato Empanada, accompanied by Turmeric and Annatto Aïoli.
For a touch of elegance, Gourmet Landscapes is serving up Verjus-Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese, Petite Lettuce, Blackberry Gastrique, and Spiced Pecans. The Deconstructed Dish cleverly reimagines a dessert favorite with their Deconstructed Key Lime Pie. Deco Delights brings a visually stunning Neapolitan Dessert Trio to the table. And lastly, Figment’s Inspiration Station captures the imagination with a Blueberry-Filled Pastry Tart, complete with Purple Icing.
Have you had a chance to participate in Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine? Leave us a comment to let us know all about your experience!
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!
Have you heard the delicious new buzz from Disney’s Animal Kingdom? A trio of new treats have landed in the park that provide a fun take on everyone’s favorite campfire snack-S’mores! These additions to the park’s diverse food offerings are proving to be a crowd-pleaser.
Your S’mores entree is the S’mores Dessert Pizza over at Terra Treats. This snack stand on Discovery Island is cooking up this dessert, which features a pizza base topped with chocolate, graham cracker crumbles, and toasted marshmallows.
You can wash down your S’Mores Pizza with the S’moresosauras Shake which is being served over at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. This Vanilla Shakeshake is as fun to eat as it is to look at, and is made with Chocolate and Caramel Drizzle that is topped with a Chocolate-dipped S’more, Toasted Marshmallows, and Graham Cracker Crumbs. The cup is rimmed with Chocolate Fudge Sauce and Graham Cracker Crumbs to provide even more S’mores flavor!
Our S’mores journey at Animal Kingdom wraps up at Tamu Tamu Refreshments, which has a S’Mores Churro on the menu. These amazing and delicate churros are topped with marshmallow, graham crackers, and chocolate chips, and even come with a dipping sauce to provide an extra dose of deliciousness.
Have you had the chance to check out these new S’mores snacks at Animal Kingdom? Leave us a comment to let us know what you think!
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!
Pixar, the animation studio owned by Disney, is set to experience layoffs this year, as confirmed by the company. While initial reports suggested significant reductions of up to 20%, lowering Pixar’s team from 1,300 to under 1,000, the studio disputes these numbers. Pixar stated that the actual impact is still under assessment, considering factors such as production schedules and staffing for upcoming approved projects.
The layoffs are not immediate but are expected later in the year, aligning with Pixar’s shift towards producing fewer contents. Insider information suggests that the layoffs encompass employees hired for Disney+, a move encouraged by Disney for Pixar to contribute to its streaming division, which has not yet generated profits.
In Q4, Disney+ exceeded expectations by adding 7 million subscribers, reaching a total of 150.2 million, including Hotstar. Notably, over 50% of new U.S. customers opted for the ad-supported Disney+ product, contributing to a growth of 2 million ad-supported subscribers, totaling 5.2 million.
Disney anticipates turning its streaming service profitable by Q4 2024, attributing this achievement to the company’s “restructuring” efforts that resulted in significant operational efficiencies, as highlighted by CEO Bob Iger in an earnings call with investors. The streaming losses have been curtailed, with Disney+ reporting a decrease from nearly $1.5 billion in Q4 2022 to “just” $387 million in Q4 2023.
During the quarter, Disney+ featured popular titles like Pixar’s “Elemental,” alongside releases from Disney and Marvel such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” Despite its initial classification as a box office disappointment and one of Pixar’s weakest debuts in 28 years, “Elemental” emerged as the most-watched film on Disney+ in the quarter, grossing half a billion worldwide. This success contrasts with earlier underperforming titles like “Lightyear” and “Onward,” prompting Disney to reconsider its approach to film releases.
In the upcoming year, the animation studio plans to unveil a sequel to “Inside Out,” followed by the release of “Elio” in 2025—a new film centered around a boy embarking on an intergalactic adventure. Can Pixar bounce back as the animation juggernaut given the steep competition it faces from Universal and DreamWorks? We will have to revisit the studio at year’s end to see if it still has it’s magic.
What can Disney do to get its box office mojo back? Let us know your thoughts in a comment.
