Tiana’s Palace Restaurant Taking Shape at Disneyland
French Market Restaurant at Disneyland is currently being transformed into Tiana’s Palace Restaurant. Tiana’s Palace will be a quick-service restaurant inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”
Today Disney Parks unveiled the Tiana’s Palace marquee and a wheelhouse and two smokestacks topped with crown-shaped ornamentation on the rooftop of Tiana’s Palace on Instagram. This sparkling addition gives the restaurant its distinctive shape and marks an exciting milestone in the transformation.
“We’re almost there! Slated to open later this year, Tiana’s Palace restaurant at @Disneyland received its marquee, wheelhouse, and two smokestacks topped with crown-shaped ornamentation giving the restaurant its distinctive shape inspired by the film.”
When Tiana’s Palace opens later this year, guests will be able to enjoy existing favorites, seasonal flavors and New Orleans classics inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures.
More About Tiana’s Palace
Tiana’s Palace will be the newest restaurant on Orleans Street. Within its peach-colored walls and fancy green wrought-iron balconies, you’ll find elegant fixtures and appointments reminiscent of Tiana’s life and friendships. The new Tiana’s Palace will have much of the same pinch of pizzazz and flair as the restaurant from the film, offering authentic New Orleans flavors inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures in this quick-service style restaurant. While Tiana’s Palace is not a character dining location, guests may find Tiana in New Orleans Square.
The menu at Tiana’s Palace will expand on many of the current favorites served in the location, explore seasonal flavors and, of course, offer some New Orleans classics. Tiana’s Palace is sure to be a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy great food and celebrate together, just like Tiana and her father James dreamed of.
Disney Imagineers are partnering with Disney Animation artists from the original film to bring this story to life at Disneyland park. In fact, the film designers took inspiration from the exterior of the original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square when designing Tiana’s Palace for the movie, so this is a long-dreamt homecoming.
Are you looking forward to dining at the new Tiana’s Palace Restaurant?
Ready to plan your next visit to Disneyland? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Look alive! We’re cooking up concoctions inspired by “Haunted Mansion” that are sure to thrill your taste buds!
🕯️Haunted Mansion Inspired Pre-Fixe Menu available at Café Orleans featuring the Vanilla Mousse and Seafood Boil
🕸️April-December Churro at the New Orleans Square Churro Cart: Strawberry-flavored sugar with fresh strawberries, purple cherry sugar, freeze-dried strawberries, and donut icing drizzle
🦇Constance Concoction at Harbour Galley: Potato and leek soup topped with pea flower crème fraiche, herb oil, and fried leeks served in a sourdough bread bowl
🔮Madame Leota Cereal Treat at Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen: Crisped rice cereal treat dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with M&M’S milk chocolate candies and Madame Leota chocolate piece #MoviesWithMars (also available at Walt Disney World Resort)
👻 Pickwick Ghost Punch at Royal Street Veranda and Harbour Galley: A Combination of fruit, citrus juices, and sherbet (Non-alcoholic)
🎩 Hatbox Ghost Sipper at select locations in New Orleans Square and Critter Country
Are you ready to join in the swinging wake at the Disneyland Resort?
If you’d like to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
New Disney Princess Minnie Ears Are Fit For Royalty!
We found the new Disney Princess Minnie Ears at Magic Kingdom for $34.99! They are also available online at shopDisney, ready to make all your dreams come true and add a touch of magic to your style.
This ear headband features an all over pattern of Disney Princesses in gold ink like Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Merida, Tiana, Rapunzel and Moana plus is crowned by a golden sequined bow. Definitely a must have for royalty!
New Figment Annual Passholder Food & Wine Festival Merchandise At Epcot!
The new Figment Annual Passholder Food & Wine Festival Merchandise is now available at Epcot for all passholders! This exclusive collection is inspired in Figment and sure to spark your imagination every time you use it.
This ring tee features yellow sleeves and a purple neckline, the iconic colors of our favorite imaginative dragon, plus artwork featuring Chef Figment grilling some delicious treats and “Passholder” text at the bottom.
For tech accessories, the collection features a phone case and AirPod cases in clear and purple colors, all super cute options!
There’s also a collectible pin featuring Chef Figment with the festival logo and passholder banner or a magnet with the same design to remember your visit to this tasty festival for years to come.
You can take a closer look at the collection in our Instagram post:
More details have been announced for the 2023 Halloween Horror Nights event
Prepare to be spooked and thrilled as Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood gear up for another spine-chilling Halloween Horror Nights event. This year promises to be the most terrifying yet, with a slate of new haunted houses and scare zones that will test your courage and push the boundaries of fear. We have the latest details on the horrifying attractions that await you at this year’s event.
We have details on three houses that will be coming to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood for this year’s event:
The Exorcist: Believer – A New Level of Terror
H
Drawing inspiration from the new Universal Pictures film by Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment, “The Exorcist: Believer” haunted house promises to take terror to a whole new level. Venture into a bustling street market in Haiti, where an innocent purchase of a strange folk doll with three eyes unleashes a demonic portal and sinister spirits. As you follow the mystery of two missing 12-year-old girls, you’ll soon discover that an exorcism is the only way to save them and yourself from losing your souls.
Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count – A Killer Doll’s Haunted House
For the first time ever, Chucky, the sadistic killer doll from the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, will star in his very own haunted house. Experience the twisted mind of Chucky as he turns his haunted house into a living slaughterhouse, seeking vengeance against everyone who dares to enter.
Universal Monsters: Unmasked – Descending into Darkness
Descend into the Catacombs of Paris, where the infamous “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” haunted house awaits. Sixty feet beneath the bustling streets lie millions of skeletal remains and the dwelling place of Universal’s most notorious creatures, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Invisible Man. As you navigate this dark labyrinth, be prepared to face their rage and seek vengeance against unsuspecting guests.
Universal Orlando Resort reveals the complete lineup of terrifying horrors guests will face at Halloween Horror Nights 2023, including five all-new, chilling original haunted houses and five unnerving scare zones. The world’s premier Halloween event celebrates its 32nd year with a record-breaking 48 nights of immersing guests into the eeriest of experiences that could only be endured at Halloween Horror Nights – including a circus that’s spiraled into chaos, the long-awaited emergence of Halloween Horror Nights legend, Dr. Oddfellow, and a dark, resurrected story that delves into the haunting history of Universal attractions past. In the midst of the screams, guests can experience a disturbingly entertaining live show, an all-new Tribute Store, take a bite out of the horror with scary-good food and beverage, and so much more.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s lingering in the fog at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023:
Five Original Houses
In addition to the houses above and the already-announced Last of Us and Stranger Things Houses, five additional formidable stories await to unfold in original haunted houses where willing guests will succumb to:
A demented, late-night circus led by an evil ringmaster and notorious icon looking for human souls to fuel his dark intentions in “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins”
A horrific twist to a frightening, yet familiar tale and sinister battle between Fire and Ice in “Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate”
Blood-soaked campgrounds deep in the trenches of mountains where vicious, bloodthirsty monsters have returned with a vengeance in “YETI: Campground Kills”
Selling their souls for fame in “The Darkest Deal” where they quickly learn a deal can be more than they bargained for
A colonial cult looking to slaughter those who dare refuse to worship the Bloodmoon in “Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings”
5 Scare Zones
As the sun sets on Universal Studios Florida and ominous clouds fill the sky, Dr. Oddfellow steps out of Halloween Horror Nights past to fill the streets with hordes of taunting scareactors in five all-new scare zones where guests will:
Come face to face with the devious legend who is promising immortality for those who dare to enter “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror”
Cower in fear as the signs of the zodiac come to life in “Dark Zodiac” where Dr. Oddfellow uses his power to transform the zodiac signsinto horrifying horoscope creatures
Venture into the “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror” where Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted and bizarre experiments combine elements of nature and animals to create vicious jungle creatures looking to satisfy their cravings
Attend a music festival crashed by bloodthirsty vampires let loose by Dr. Oddfellow in “Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood”
Stumble upon Dr. Oddfellow’s crates and cages that once housed monsters of all kinds who have escaped in pursuit of chaos in “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged”
Exclusive Halloween Experiences at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
For an ultimate fall getaway, Universal Orlando’s hotel guests can enjoy exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission to the theme parks and priority event entrance to Halloween Horror Nights. With exclusive activations and experiences based on this year’s event, staying at the Universal Orlando hotels ensures a truly immersive horror experience.
Get ready to face your fears as Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood unleashes a lineup of more terrifying haunted houses and scare zones. Inspired by iconic horror films and Universal’s legendary monsters, this year’s event promises to be a heart-pounding, unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to confront the darkness and immerse yourself in the world of horror like never before. Purchase your tickets now and brace yourself for the terror that awaits!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal 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 Universal 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 Universal vacation package through me!
Friendship Boats Receiving New Color Scheme at Disney World
Walt Disney World’s beloved FriendShip Boats, connecting EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Resort hotels around Crescent Lake, are about to receive a magical makeover.
Mark Natter, Vice President of Transportation Operations, revealed the exciting news, stating, “We want those boats to look their very best each time our cast members welcome guests aboard, so we’re excited to introduce these newly painted vessels to the fleet. We can’t wait for our guests to join in the fun and see the brand-new look very soon!”
The boats, retaining their unique colors, will now feature a dark blue bottom, adding a touch of elegance. Guests can witness the first revamped boat sailing on World Showcase Lagoon and Crescent Lake by the end of this month. With the dedication of Disney Cast Members, these freshly painted FriendShip Boats will continue to provide an enchanting and complimentary transportation experience, adding to the magic of every Disney vacation.
What do you think of the new color-scheme for Disney’s Friendship Boats?
Today we have more details on Smellephants on Parade which is coming to Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom!
Guests entering Storybook Circus in Fantasyland will find a casting call from Timothy Q. Mouse, seeking out a “Whiff-sistant” to join Dumbo’s newest act.
At the ticket booth in front of Big Top Souvenirs, Cast Members will provide a map and sticker sheet to guide guests in their training.
“Whiff-sistants” in training will explore Storybook Circus to find a number of Smellephants statues, each with a unique, circus-inspired fragrance – popcorn being one of them.
Hatbox Ghost Coming to Walt Disney World Resort Later This Year
Today we are celebrating the release of Disney’s Haunted Mansion Movie!
Step into the eerie world of the new “Haunted Mansion” film, now haunting theaters near you! Join a brave woman and her son as they seek the aid of spiritual experts to expel supernatural residents from their home, all inspired by the classic theme park attraction. Don’t miss the thrilling nods and hidden surprises that pay homage to the Haunted Mansion ride in this chilling cinematic adventure!
The spooky fun doesn’t end there! Embrace the eerie excitement at Disney Theme Parks, where we’re conjuring up frightfully delightful ways to immerse yourself in the world of “Haunted Mansion” for a limited time. Welcome, Foolish Mortals, to an experience you won’t soon forget!
Today Disney shared more details on the arrival of the Hatbox Ghost at Walt Disney World… Read on if you dare…
Later this year at the Walt Disney World Resort, one of our most iconic specters will set up residence in the Haunted Mansion of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. The Hatbox Ghost will appear to guests as they pass the Endless Hallway, welcoming himself inside from the swinging wake in the cemetery and grinning at the Doom Buggies as they set off deeper into the mansion. Guests will soon see temporary barriers materialize as we await his apparition.
Still, no date has been released on when guests would see the Hatbox Ghost at Disney World. There was speculation that we would see the Hatbox Ghost when the Haunted Mansion went down for refurbishment but looks like we are gonna have to wait a little longer for this Ghoulish Ghoulie.
New Ghoulish Treats at Disney World in Celebration of the Haunted Mansion Movie
Today is the big day! Disney’s Haunted Mansion is officially in theaters! To celebrate Disney World is serving up some Ghoulish Treats at various locations around the Disney Parks & Resorts!
Before you head off to the Haunted Mansion Movie be sure to read our Spoiler Free Review here!
Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize … especially when these treats arrive. Ghoulish delights await at Walt Disney World for the release of “Haunted Mansion” starting today. Taste if you dare…
NEW! Ghoulish Delight Beignets at Scat Cat’s Club – Café: Mickey-shaped beignets dusted with cookies ‘n cream powdered sugar and a ghoulish marshmallow crème drizzle.
NEW! Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars at The Ganachery: Ganache bars with flavors of raspberry, salted caramel, chipotle, and passion fruit.
NEW! Peanut Butter and Jelly Pop at Sleepy Hollow: Peanut butter and jelly pop.
Happy Haunts Shake at Columbia Harbour House: Blackberry shake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles.
So if you are around Disney World be sure to drop by and pick up some of these Ghoulish Treats in Honor of the release of Disney’s Haunted Mansion Movie!
The Haunted Mansion attraction is a timeless classic, and we have yet another major motion picture that has drawn inspiration from the iconic theme park attraction. This is Disney’s second trip to Gracie Manor, having already been there in 2003 alongside Eddie Murphy. This time around, The Haunted Mansion assembles and ensemble cast featuring LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto.
The premise of the Haunted Mansion is simple, Rosario Dawson and her son happen upon Gracie Mansion and a ghost follows them home. In fact, everyone who steps foot into the Mansion cannot escape these spectral visits, so this group of strangers band together to solve the mystery of the mansion so they can resume their lives without any further disruptions.
While the plot was simple, I found myself groaning at how unrealistic it seemed that a widower would voluntarily move into that house alone, thus triggering the whole plot. But hey, this is the movies, so I suspended my disbelief, climbed into my doom buggy and just rolled with it.
Haunted Mansion traffics heavily in parks nostalgia, and is chock full of references to the attraction. There are countless blink and you missed it references to the ride, but for Disney parks purists they will certainly squeal in delight when they peep yet another easter egg.
As a diehard Disney Parks fan, this is where Haunted Mansion excelled. It relies solely upon my love of the ride to carry me through what is otherwise a humdrum film. While the movie is not wholly unenjoyable, it doesn’t move the needle in the same way that Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl did in 2003. I do however want to affirm that Haunted Mansion 2023 is far superior to Eddie Murphy’s iteration.
The cast does an outstanding job of selling the premise of the film, and I really gravitated towards Owen Wilson and LaKeith Stanfield. Other cast members perform admirably with what little they get in the script, but this is LaKeith Stanfield’s movie, and he grounds the film well enough so that the premise seems rooted. Jamie Lee Curtis admirably brings Madame Leota to life, but Jared Leto creates a menacing Hatbox Ghost that has become my new favorite.
The film has some other fun cameos, specifically Winona Ryder and Dan Levy as tour guides. The film wasn’t “funny” but fun, nor was it scary. Parents, do play close attention to the PG-13 rating, as the film could potential cause some sleepless nights for younger children. There are a few jump scares, and they did make the characters fairly gruesome rather than cartoonish.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes, Haunted Mansion isn’t a major investment. I think this movie will struggle to find a niche, as many parents will worry about the films content and rating. Is it scary, but not jarring. I want to repeat that it is scary enough for small kids. It’s also not a horror film that will pull in diehard horror enthusiasts.
This film is made for people who love the ride, and I assert that it will appeal to only that demographic. Personally I would rank both Pirates of the Caribbean and The Jungle Cruise ahead of Haunted Mansion as films, but Mansion is a worthy entry into Disney’s adaptations and redeems the 2003 atrocity.
We give Haunted Mansion 2.5 out of five stars. A fun film for the right audience and at the right age. What did you think of the movie? Let us know your thoughts in a comment.
Disney Eats: New Italian Hot Beef Sandwich from EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival The time of year all foodies have been waiting for is just a few weeks away. And you know what it is – the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE! This celebration kicks off on July 27 and runs through November 18, 2023, and is filled with thrilling and delicious offerings celebrating the various cultures and cuisines across the globe.
Flavors of America has updated the food selection this year, adding an Italian Hot Beef Sandwich to the menu. We stopped by to try the new sandwich and are here to report how delicious it really is. Even though it felt like it may be a smaller portion, when we actually finished it we felt like we got our money’s worth.
Fair warning, if you are low on salt, or need a salt replenishment, this is the sandwich and au jus for you! This could be the saltiest combo at the festival this year. Even though we did really enjoy the flavor. The spicy giardiniera was an excellent mix with the beef, and overall the presentation was pleasant. We paired it with the Rogue Dreamland American Lager and felt like we could be at our local carnival enjoying a night out.
The annual planDisney Panelist application period opens soon!
Are you a Disney enthusiast who loves sharing your magical vacation experiences and tips with others? Have you ever dreamt of being part of a passionate community dedicated to helping fellow guests plan their perfect Disney vacations? If you answered yes to these questions, a role as a planDisney panelist may be just what you have been looking for!
planDisney is an extraordinary group of passionate and knowledgeable guests who come together on planDisney.com to share their insights and expertise, aiming to help other guests maximize their Disney vacations. The planDisney panelists are chosen for their exceptional ability to efficiently address guests’ questions in one of four specialties: Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, or Disney Vacation Club. This diverse team of panelists is even equipped to answer questions in four languages: English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
Becoming a 2024 planDisney Panelist
If you’re thrilled about the idea of joining this incredible community, the path to becoming a panelist involves an application process with three rounds:
Short Answer Questions: The journey begins with a series of short answer questions that allow you to showcase your Disney vacation planning knowledge and passion.
Video Submission: In the second round, you will be required to create a brief video submission, giving you an opportunity to let your personality and excitement for Disney shine through.
Virtual Interview: Finally, successful applicants will proceed to a virtual interview, where you can demonstrate your excellent communication skills and heartfelt desire to help others plan their most magical vacations.
The application process for the 2024 planDisney Search opens at Noon ET on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and closes promptly at Noon ET on August 7, 2023. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or have tried before, you can find more information and eligibility requirements at planDisneySearch.com.
Qualities of a Great Panelist
The planDisney team is searching for individuals who possess an unwavering determination to share their knowledge, experience, and passion for Disney vacations. Great panelists delight in sharing their own Disney experiences, and they take joy in directly relating their tips to guests’ questions. Outstanding communication skills and the ability to provide clear and insightful answers are essential traits of a successful panelist.
Being a planDisney panelist is a truly rewarding experience. As a member of this dedicated team, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping other guests plan their dream Disney vacations. While it requires dedicated time each week to answer questions and sometimes involves research, the work is done from the comfort of your own home using your personal device. Panelists also receive a well-deserved reward trip to one Disney Destination for themselves and up to three family members .
To all those considering applying, we wish you the best of luck in your journey to become a 2024 planDisney Panelist! Remember to mark your calendar for the Search opening on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Noon ET. And above all, be yourself, let your love for Disney shine, and show why you would make a fantastic addition to the planDisney family.
Note: as a planDisney panelist, you’ll be an independent contractor, not a Disney cast member.
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!
Ghoulish delights await at 
