New Sparkly Candy Corn Minnie Ears At Walt Disney World!
Let the Halloween style arrive! We recently found the new Candy Corn Minnie Ears at Walt Disney World for $34.99, you can also order yours online at shopDisney and start getting ready for the spookiest time of the year.
They feature sequined black Minnie ears with a metallic orange and yellow mesh bow resembling the candy corn colors, a popular treat every Halloween. A simple design to add an enchanting touch to your frightfully good style!
Come and celebrate the arrival of an adorable baby mandrill at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, reminiscent of the iconic scene from “The Lion King.
“Meet Saffron, a tiny baby girl weighing less than three pounds, who could almost fit in the palm of your hand. Despite her current size, mandrills are the largest species of monkeys globally, and Saffron could grow up to 25 pounds in a few years. For now, she’s clinging tightly to her mom, Hazel, and nursing in the treetops of their habitat on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
In mandrill social structures, moms take on most of the parental responsibilities, and Hazel has been sweet and nurturing since Saffron’s birth on July 24. Similar to humans soothing their babies by rocking them, Hazel often grooms Saffron to provide comfort. The bond between them is inseparable, and even Saffron’s sister, Ivy, has yet to hold her.
Mandrills, known for their vibrant colors, exhibit brilliant shades of blue, red, and pink on their faces and sport yellow manes, much like Rafiki, the character from “The Lion King” inspired by this species. Their colorations and patterns are unique, with no two strands of hair being the same. Saffron will develop her distinctive and bright coloration once she fully matures in three to four years.
Mandrills are equally colorful on their backside, which aids their horde or family group in following each other as they navigate the dense forests of Africa. With only about 4,000 mandrills remaining in the wild, Saffron’s birth is excellent news for this vulnerable species. It demonstrates our commitment to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, ensuring responsible breeding of endangered species in managed care to establish healthy and genetically diverse animal populations for the future.
In addition to this effort, Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment collaborated with Durham University and the Jane Goodall Institute to help rescued and rehabilitated mandrills return to their native habitats in the Republic of the Congo. Through the measurement of hormone levels, Disney’s science team at Animal Kingdom confirmed that the rehabilitated mandrills were thriving after their release and even expanded the family troop with the arrival of two new babies.
New Fall Leaves Minnie Ears To Welcome Autumn In Style!
We are so ready for sweater weather, pumpkin spice and Fall Leaves Minnie Ears! The coziest time of the year is getting close, and of course we want to welcome it with magic and style, both provided by this new ear headband available now at Magic Kingdom and online at shopDisney for $34.99.
It features an allover glittery leaves pattern in green, orange and yellow colors and a gold sequined bow in the middle. A great combination of colors that goes perfectly with any outfit you might wear this fall, so definitely a must have in your collection!
Pixar’s Elemental Arriving Soon on Digital and Blu-ray
Step into the enchanting world of Element City, where the passionate Ember Lumen and the easy-going Wade Ripple are set to embark on a thrilling adventure in Pixar Animation Studios‘ mesmerizing creation, “Elemental.”
Get ready to witness the captivating encounter of fire and water when the movie premieres on all major digital platforms (including Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, etc.) on August 15. Mark your calendars for the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD release on September 26, and immerse yourself in the dazzling and imaginative world of “Elemental.”
Described as “stunning” (Joey Magidson, Awards Radar), “beautiful and immersive” (Belen Edwards, Mashable), Elemental is and Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ with “Pixar’s signature blend of vibrant revolutionary animation and imagination” (Luke Harfield, Awards Watch). Fans can be the first to watch at home by adding the film to their Pixar movie collection, and access bonus content including exclusive deleted scenes, featurettes, an audio commentary, and the widely popular all-new short, “Carl’s Date.”
“Elemental” is an original feature film set in Element City, where residents of Fire, Water, Earth and Air live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Partly Cloudy” short), and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), “Elemental” features a screenplay by John Hoberg & Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, and stars the voices of Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie as Ember and Wade.
Carl’s Date – Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® Award winner Bob Peterson and produced by Kim Collins, this all-new short, “Carl’s Date,” finds Carl reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with a lady friend —but admittedly with no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl’s pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends — if you’re a dog. “Carl’s Date” opened in theaters in front of Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental.”
Featurettes
Ember and Wade – Take a deeper look at the development of main characters Ember and Wade, from early designs to final effects, and learn how the complex work of the technical and character teams brought these characters to life.
Next Stop: Element City – Explore how Element City is built to accommodate its different inhabitants. Director Peter Sohn and crew members share insights about the evolution of the designed world, as well as some of the research that inspired its unique look.
Paths to Pixar: The Immigrant Experience – Hear from first-generation filmmakers on the Elemental crew as they share their journeys to Pixar. Discover how Elemental’s real-world themes of sacrifice and identity, amongst many others, reflect or diverge from their own lived experiences.
Deleted Scenes
Director Peter Sohn introduces five scenes that are storyboarded, set to music, timed, and voiced, but are not included in the final version of Elemental.
Intro Ember – An alternate opening in which our hero Ember helps a newly immigrated Fire family navigate through, and acclimate to, Element City. Scene introduced by director Peter Sohn.
Mom Rejects Wade – Ember’s traditional parents learn that she’s enamored with watery Wade…and it doesn’t go well. Scene introduced by story supervisor Jason Katz.
Dante Challenge – In an attempt to keep Ember apart from Wade, Bernie tasks her with finding a place to live for newcomer Dante, who Wade finds himself rather enamored with. Scene introduced by story artist Nira Liu.
Brook Dinner – Ember joins Wade for dinner at his home, in this abandoned storyline in which Wade’s mother, Brook, is revealed to be the villain diverting water into Firetown. Scene introduced by story artist Anna Benedict.
Beach Proposal – Sharing a tender moment on the beach, Ember and Wade propose marriage to each other. Scene introduced by story artists Yung-Han Chang and Le Tang.
Audio Commentary
Elemental Filmmaker Commentary – Join director Peter Sohn, supe tech Sanjay Bakshi, supervising animator Mike Venturini, and directing animator Gwendelyn Enderoglu as they provide insight into the making of this remarkable animated feature while you watch it.
*bonus features vary by product and retailer
Voice Cast Leah Lewis as Ember Mamoudou Athie as Wade Ronnie del Carmen as Bernie Shila Ommi as Cinder Wendi McLendon-Covey as Gale Catherine O’Hara as Brook Mason Wertheimer as Clod Joe Pera as Fern Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside
Another August Date is Now Sold Out for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
The demand for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is soaring, with the event on August 25, 2023, being the third night in August to reach full capacity and sell out.
Interestingly, the cheaper nights, excluding October 31, are experiencing the highest demand, particularly those in August priced at $109. However, the opening night on August 11 is priced at $149, and tickets are still available for this date.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will enchant visitors from August 11 to November 1, 2023. The festivity commences at 7 pm and goes on until midnight, granting entry to ticket holders into the park starting from 4 pm. The much-loved line-up of entertainment is back for 2023, featuring Mickey’s Boo To You Halloween Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the awe-inspiring Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show.
The 2023 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event dates are:
Animal Kingdom Tree of Life Awakenings Returning this Fall. Fall means the sun sets earlier and earlier each day, and the sky becomes darker earlier. Right now, during the summer months, Disney’s Animal Kingdom closes before it gets truly dark outside; for that reason “Awakenings” does not appear on the Tree of Life. We may be getting hours for the return at any time, which is great because DAK is amazing at nighttime and I can’t wait to enjoy the show again.
Witness the majestic centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park as it comes alive at night like never before!
Watch in wonder when the animal spirits within the great tree awaken during a mesmerizing showcase of colour and light.
After night falls, pay special attention to the Tree of Life at the center of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Approximately every 10 minutes, flickering fireflies magically appear and stir to life the wondrous animals spirits carved into the tree’s towering trunk—bringing to light a stunning visual swarming with vivid colour and animated imagery.
Gaze upon a graceful young doe embarking upon a thrilling journey. Behold love blossoming between a pair of hummingbirds. See a spry fox spreading gifts of love among the denizens of a wintry forest. A feast for the eyes, each revelation celebrates the eternal balance and harmony that exists in all living things, big or small, and is sure to inspire and delight the entire family, big and small.
Animal Kingdom Tree of Life Awakenings Returning this Fall
Disney Makes Magic Happen for Cast Member Serving in the Armed Forces
Disney recently helped make magic happen for a cast member serving in the armed forces along with other Air Force Reservists. Harry Porrata Doria, a Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, asked the Disney SALUTE veteran affinity group to help him make some magic for his team of more than 100 deployed Airmen.
The Disney SALUTE team acted quickly and set up collection boxes around Walt Disney World offices and in no time, they were overflowing with essential items and treats ready to be sent across the world. The Disney SALUTE veteran affinity group is a collection of cast members who have either served in the military or come from military families, so they know how care packages like these are a big boost to morale for those who can be deployed far from family and friends.
Disney VoluntEARS including SALUTE members and Harry’s fellow cast from Disney’s Animal Kingdom gathered one morning as the sun rose over this iconic theme park. They got to work sorting through an impressive amount of donated food and hygiene products and packed them up into several boxes that were soon on their way across the world. The care packages also included letters from Disney cast members and executives wishing Harry well and thanking him for his selfless service.
A highlight during the VoluntEARS event was seeing a special video Harry sent in advance where he thanked his fellow cast members for their support in helping him do something special for his fellow deployed service members.
A special thank you from overseas The packages arrived several weeks later in the undisclosed location in the Middle East. And while the boxes were a little beat up, Harry’s team of Airmen were able to enjoy delicious treats, including some crisped rice cereal treats from Minnie’s Bake Shop along with many essential items to make their deployment a little bit easier.
“My Unit and myself would like to thank everyone that donated items and time to package and send these great care packages for us,” said Harry. “We really loved everything sent, but especially the healthy snacks! Thanks for bringing a little magic to our team while we’re deployed far from home.”
Disney helps deployed military unit and local Veteran Service Organization Disney’s cast are exceptionally generous, and upon collecting all the donations for Harry’s unit, they found themselves standing in front of a mountain of items—too much to send it all halfway across the world. Given the impressive amount of donated goods, they were able to take half of the donations and share them with Disney’s friends at the Orlando Fisher House, one of 95+ comfort homes across the United States built by the Fisher House Foundation. Military and veterans’ families can stay at the Orlando Fisher House at no cost while a loved one is receiving medical treatment at the Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. Disney is honored to participate in recurring volunteer events over the years in support of the Fisher House’s important mission.
The Walt Disney Company has a longstanding 100-year tradition of support for the U.S. Armed Forces, and the Disney SALUTE veterans affinity group proudly contributes to this enduring tradition.
We love feel-good stories like this that come out of Disney World!
Are you ready to plan your next visit to Walt Disney World? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Teachers can now save 35% at Paddlefish and Terralina in Disney Springs
It is just about that magical time of year when both teachers and students need to switch from summer vacation mode to school mode, and start counting down the days to winter break. Paddlefish and Terralina at Disney Springs are hoping to make the back to school transition for teachers a bit easier by offering them a discount.
All teachers need to do is show their school/teacher ID to receive discount of 35% off their meal at both Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian.
About Paddlefish
Boasting 360 views of Lake Buena Vista, aboard a reimagined, modern, and luxurious steamboat, the Paddlefish dining experience is unmatched in Disney Springs. Serving guests with genuine hospitality and 360 degree waterfront views, Paddlefish has earned multiple Diners’ Choice badges and praise from locals to guests from around the world for good reason.
Led by Executive Chef Steve Richard, the seafood menu features a Daily Catch, Whole Maine Lobster, King Crab, Scallops, and even Filet Mignon for those that prefer with their surf. With an international wine list and craft cocktails to boot, Paddlefish is the perfect vessel for an unparalleled dining experience, post-dinner roof deck libations, or a crisp refresher to pair with your meal.
With sauces made from scratch, an array of seasonal pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, a rotating Italian wine list, and views of Lake Buena Vista, Terralina Crafted Italian has something for everyone.
Executive Chef Justin Plank works with the freshest available ingredients to build genuine flavors and authentic Italian dishes for you and your loved ones to enjoy together, as a family. As with many Italian homes, the kitchen is at the heart of Terralina Crafted Italian. The wood-burning oven fires a selection of kid and family-friendly hand-tossed pizzas, housemade pastas, fresh vegetables and proteins, and more. With a rotating, approachable, and extensive wine list, you are invited to explore all of Italy with the tastes and sensations these pairings create.
The dining room’s rustic allure is filled with stories and moments of celebration. The glass conservatory sweeps down to dining at the edge of Lake Buena Vista, where you are encouraged to, riposo, or rest, as they say in Italy. The outdoor veranda bar is a welcome invitation to relax and sip on craft cocktails or a crisp white wine, linger, and people-watch over the Riverfront Plaza while toasting to la dolce vita.
Reservations for both Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian are highly recommended, and can be made on your MyDisneyExperience app.
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!
A Disney Cruise Line vacation is up for grabs in the shopDisney Magic of Disney Princess Sweepstakes
Have you been dreaming of a Disney Cruise Line vacation? shopDisney has a sweepstakes for you! To celebrate 100 years of enchanting Disney storytelling, shopDisney invites you to join the “Magic of Disney Princess Sweepstakes,” which will award one lucky entrant a magical Disney Cruise Line vacation aboard the Disney Wish, along with five delightful Disney Story Dolls of your choice from shopDisney.
The grand prize for the shopDisney Magic of Disney Princess Sweepstakes includes:
One 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wish for up to 4 persons (one stateroom selected by Disney Cruise Line)
All meals onboard the Disney Wish (excluding specialty dining and adult-exclusive restaurants)
Pre-paid onboard gratuities for the stateroom host/hostess, dining room server, assistant server and head server
Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses (as defined on the Disney Cruise Line website)
Five (5) Disney Story Dolls of Winner’s choice
One (1) $500 Disney Gift Card (terms and conditions apply)
If Winner resides outside a 200-miles radius of Port Canaveral, FL, they will also be afforded:
Up to four (4) roundtrip coach airfares between the major U.S. gateway airport closest to the Winner’s residence and Orlando International Airport in Orlando, FL
One (1) standard room for up to four (4) persons at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel for one (1) night prior to the ship’s departure
Head over to the sweepstakes page to enter, and be sure to carefully read through the terms and conditions. The entry period is only open through 8/31/23 at 11:59 PM ET, so be sure to enter before it is too late!
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!
Dates and Details Revealed for Christmas at the Disneyland Resort
Christmas at the Disneyland Resort is an extra magical time! This year, the holiday season will begin on November 10 and run through January 7, 2024. Guests can enjoy special offerings like the Disney Festival of Holidays marketplaces, watching dazzling projections and fireworks illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and snapping a photo with Mickey Mouse in his all-new holiday outfit in Disneyland park!
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort offers distinctly Disney experiences guests of all ages will enjoy, such as Disney Festival of Holidays, the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular and breathtaking décor. This year, Mickey Mouse and his pals will ring in the season with new, midcentury modern-inspired looks at Disneyland Park.
Guests will discover some new seasonal food and beverage offerings throughout Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel. Families and friends can remember their visit for years to come, as well as find great gifts for loved ones, with a new collection of holiday merchandise.
Cultural celebrations in Disney California Adventure Park with Disney Festival of Holidays
Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park draws inspiration from the diverse dishes and cherished traditions of Christmas, Navidad, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day. Offering a feast for the senses, guests can expect to sample new and returning food and beverages such as southern mac and cheese and a beef brisket slider, accompanied by upbeat music at the Palisades Stage, Sonoma Terrace and for the first time, the Hollywood Backlot, where Disney Festival of Holidays will also be celebrated.
Festivalgoers may purchase a Sip and Savor Pass, which offers eight entitlement tabs that can be shared among friends and family. Valid for the entirety of Disney Festival of Holidays, foodies may redeem their tabs for select food and nonalcoholic beverages from several marketplaces and select dining locations in Disney California Adventure.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! will return to Paradise Gardens Park for its tenth season, and this year, guests will be able to taste their way through an all-new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. The Three Caballeros will host a joyous street party, featuring Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, Brazilian samba dancers and percussionists, giant mojiganga puppets and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best. Additional festivities will include live music and dancing, visits with beloved Disney characters and special appearances by Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto.”
Festive décor throughout Disneyland Resort
Décor will make the season bright throughout Disneyland Resort, featuring grand Christmas trees decorated with uniquely themed ornaments in both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel. Icicles and snow-capped turrets will adorn Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, a festive gingerbread house will inspire amateur gingerbread architects with its intricate design. With a bit of Disney magic, “snow” is scheduled to fall every night in select areas of Disneyland Park.
Ornaments, lights and more will also embellish beloved attractions. In Disneyland, a merry boat ride on the wintry waterway of “it’s a small world” Holiday will serenade guests with choruses of jolly tunes. In New Orleans Square, Jack Skellington from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” redecorates the Haunted Mansion into the frightfully festive Haunted Mansion Holiday, complete with a hauntingly delightful gingerbread house. Guests can gear up for some cheer in Disney California Adventure on Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, which will both undergo seasonal spins for the “haul-idays.”
Seasonal spectaculars and entertainment
Mickey Mouse and some of his friends will don all-new outfits in Disneyland, putting a spin on the classic red and green with midcentury modern-inspired looks. Through Dec. 24, Santa Clauswill pose for jolly family photos, making stops in Critter Country in Disneyland, Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel.
“A Christmas Fantasy Parade” will spread holiday cheer in Disneyland Park, starring characters from Disney Animation’s “Frozen,” Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and more. The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” nighttime spectacular will illuminate the night sky over Disneyland Park with breathtaking fireworks and sprinklings of snow. For guests who want to add even more holiday magic to their trip, the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour will offer a hosted experience of select seasonal offerings and reserved viewing for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade.”
Multiple times per day, Disney and Pixar characters will march to the festive beat of the Holiday Toy Drummers in “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” in Disney California Adventure. The spirit of togetherness and love will fill Paradise Bay as hundreds of fountains illustrate warm moments from Disney animated films in “World of Color – Season of Light” nighttime spectacular.
In addition to holiday shopping and dining in the Downtown Disney District, guests can groove to a variety of “mistle-toe-tapping” live musical performances select evenings at the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. On some nights at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel, live entertainment will create a wonderfully cozy atmosphere.
We are counting down the days until Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begins! What are you most looking forward to this season?
Ready to plan your holiday visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary!
These pieces inspired in iconic Disney treats like a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Sandwich, Mickey Mouse Beignet or Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Cone are great to add some extra magic to your tiered tray or any space in your kitchen, home or themed party.
New Haunted Mansion Stroller Tag For Your Baby Doom Buggy!
Transform your stroller into a doom buggy with this Haunted Mansion Stroller Tag created by KoinoniaAndCo on Etsy for $29.99. You can order yours here!
The sign is created using 1/8 cast acrylic and comes with coordinating ribbon to attach to your stroller. You can also personalized it with your family name and hometown, plus is waterproof and will not peel or fade. A great sign to add to any stroller this Halloween season!
