DoD Warrior Games coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in June 2024
Mark your calendars! The DoD Warrior Games are coming to the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in 2024! The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) will return to Disney World in June of next year.
“Adaptive sports play such a powerful role in the mental and physical recovery of wounded, ill and injured military members, and we are excited to once again be back at ESPN Wide World of Sports,” said Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of TRADOC. “These men and women deserve our support as they overcome these obstacles, and it’s an honor to host the Warrior Games on behalf of the U.S. Army and DoD, and to provide another way for these athletes to leverage the power of adaptive sports.”
First held in 2010, this annual event will feature hundreds of elite-athletes, including those from international allied nations, who will compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball, among others.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which will serve as the Warrior Games venue for the second time, is a 220-acre facility that features multiple indoor and outdoor competition sites. This award-winning complex, which combines the spirit of sports with Disney magic, previously hosted the 2016 Invictus Games and the 2022 DoD Warrior Games.
“We are humbled to again welcome these heroic service members and veterans, their families and supporters to ESPN Wide World of Sports next summer,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Their sacrifice has allowed us the freedoms we enjoy daily, and we are honored to be able to witness their spirit of determination, boldness and loyalty come alive during the games!”
The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. Military paralympic adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.
The 2024 Warrior Games, which are open to the public, will welcome the community and the world to be part of the excitement by supporting these heroes. Details about the sports schedule, viewing opportunities, corporate sponsorships and more will be available closer to the event.
Ready to plan your 2024 visit to Walt Disney World? 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 Characters Come Alive at Zootopia Land in Shanghai Disney
The new Zootopia-themed land is open in Shanghai Disneyland and guests can enjoy new food, attractions, and characters! Some of the characters in the land come alive in a unique live show experience.
“Disney Zootopia Comes Alive” is a groundbreaking new show presented at the Zootopia Park Apartments along the land’s Mane Street. Here, characters including the Hopps family, Fru Fru and her father Mr. Big, Koslov the polar bear, Flash the sloth, Yax the yak, Duke Weaselton, and more pop up on balconies or lean out the windows of their homes or workplaces, chatting with each other and the guests passing by.
“We’ve never done anything quite like this before. This is a brand-new, first-of-its-kind experience,” said Jeff Conover, Creative Director with Disney Live Entertainment, who has been on the project for more than four years. “The idea is that as we walk into the land, we come across the characters living their daily lives. Our guests will be able to see the characters, and each time they show up, it may be a bit of a different story.”
Compared to more traditional productions with defined showtimes that may only be presented during certain periods, this ambitious project weaves together multiple storylines to create an immersive atmosphere in which things appear to happen spontaneously throughout the day.
Disney Live Entertainment Production Manager Michelle Tritt worked closely with her Imagineering colleagues to develop the space in the land where the show takes place. “What’s unique about this show is that it isn’t necessarily a show, it’s a living embodiment of the land,” said Michelle. “We’ve brought together various disciplines, from audio designers and lighting designers to creative specialists and production people, to work on the project, integrating the show into the land and creating a highly natural feel for the characters there.”
The team has taken great care to ensure “Disney Zootopia Comes Alive” will resonate with guests and fans in China while embracing the spirit of Disney Animation’s original film. “We want to give guests that firsthand emotional experience of being in Zootopia in the middle of this vibrant community,” shared Jeff. “There are so many little surprises. You could probably spend four hours in that land just walking around and looking at all the little details.”
Michelle added, “We don’t have anything like this anywhere around the world in any of our parks. I think the guests are going to love this show. They’re going to laugh, they’re going to cry, because we’ve made these characters really come to life in the land.“
If you’re ready to plan your next Disney vacation, 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.
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort often includes dreams of epic roller coasters, thrilling adventures, and a journey into the Wizarding World. One area that should not be skipped is the incredible lineup of epic snacks. From savory bites to sweet delights, Universal Orlando offers a world of flavors waiting to be explored.
The Banana Cream Swiss Roll from Bake My Day in Minions Land is as fun to eat as it is to look at. The fun Minion themed appearance makes the roll eye catching. The sponge cake is firm but moist, the cream filling is delicious, and the banana flavor is amazing. The theming in the cafe is great as well!
Pretty Much Any Crepe from Central Park Crepes
Central Park Crepes is an absolutely AMAZING crepe stand located just outside of the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida. The stand sells an array of crepes filled with both sweet and savory options, such as Smoked Brisket and Street Corn on the savory side and Vegan Berry and Strawberry Hazelnut on the sweet side. At a price point if under $12 per crepe, this is a snack that eats like a meal!
Butterbeer-The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
No trip to the Universal Orlando Resort is complete without a refreshing Butterbeer. This amazing snack comes in a variety of styles, such as the classic cold Butterbeer, Frozen Butterbeer, Butterbeer Ice Cream, and hot Butterbeer. This nonalcoholic concoctions has flavors of both butterscotch and cream soda, and typically comes topped with a sweet cream foam topping. Fans of the Harry Potter films and books will recognize the name, but you do not need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this treat!
An ice cold frozen pop is the perfect way to cool off during a long, hot day at the parks. Freeze Ray Pops in Minion Land serves up frozen treats that are both delicious and fun to eat! Specialty frozen pops come in Minion (Blue Banana), Gru (with NUTELLA®), and Vector (Orange Cream flavors), and the lineup of drinks includes an array of non-specialty pops are also available in the following varieties:
Mango
Strawberry
Coconut
Blueberry Lemonade
Cotton Candy
Cheesecake
Lemon Mint
Cookies & Cream
What are your favorite Universal Orlando snacks? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Universal Orlando 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 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!
Here is a look at everything coming to Disney+ in January 2024.
Wednesday, January 3
– Alice’s Wonderland Bakery (S2, 6 episodes)
– Ax Men (S10, 10 episodes) – Forged in Fire (S7, 37 episodes and S8, 45 episodes) – History’s Greatest Mysteries (S3, 13 episodes) – Modern Marvels (S20, 2 episodes and S21, 12 episodes) – Storage Wars (S12, 16 episodes and S13, 36 episodes)
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star– Episodes 5 and 6 21st century pop icons BTS are returning to the home of award-winning Korean content with “BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star” – a new eight-part docuseries coming December 20, exclusively to Disney+. Featuring never-before-seen interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes moments with RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, “BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star” will take audiences on an in-depth journey across the band’s 10-year career, highlighting their highs and lows for the first time ever in a captivating docuseries format.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Episode 4 – “I Plunge to My Death” Our heroes search for a refuge in St Louis, and come face to face with the mother of all monsters.
Friday, January 5
– X-Men (2000)
Sunday, January 7
– The Incredible Pol Farm (S1, 14 episodes)
Tuesday, January 9
Marvel Studios’ “Echo” – Premiere at 6:00pm PT – All Episodes Streaming Marvel Studios presents “Echo,” spotlighting Maya Lopez as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy. Also available on Hulu until April 9.
Wednesday, January 10 – Hamster & Gretel (S1, 3 episodes) – Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes (S1, 12 episodes)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Episode 5 – “A God Buys Us Cheeseburgers” The quest deepens as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover are tasked with a favor from a fearsome opponent.
BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star– Episodes 7 and 8 21st-century pop icons BTS are returning to the home of award-winning Korean content with “BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star” – a new eight-part docuseries coming December 20, exclusively to Disney+. Featuring never-before-seen interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes moments with RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, “BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star” will take audiences on an in-depth journey across the band’s 10-year career, highlighting their highs and lows for the first time ever in a captivating docuseries format.
Friday, January 12
Bluey (Season 3) – New Episodes In these ten new Disney+ episodes, “Bluey” showcases the joyful simplicity that can be found in families turning everyday events of family life — like making a cubby house (blanket fort) or a trip to the beach — into unique adventures that bring to life how children learn and grow through play.
Wednesday, January 17
-America’s Funniest Home Videos: Global (S24 22 episodes, S25 23 episodes and S26 22 episodes) – The Ghost and Molly McGee (S2, 2 episodes) – Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Camp Minnie (S1, 5 episodes)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Episode 6 – “We Take a Zebra to Vegas“ Percy, Annabeth, and Grover must resist the alluring draw of a casino that feels outside of time.
Siempre Fui Yo (Season 2) – Premiere – All Episodes Streaming The second season of “It Was Always Me” (“Siempre Fui Yo”) begins three years after the TV contest Lucas Martin Presenta: El Camino de El Faraón, when its participants meet again on Pipe’s – now one of Colombia’s most famous rockstars – private island to record a reunion album. Everything has changed dramatically: while Lupe is settled in Mexico working as a journalist, Noah spends his days in a bar he inherited from his family in Colombia. It seems that the reunion album is the perfect opportunity for everyone to reconnect after so long, but everything gets complicated when on the first night a valuable necklace that El Faraón gave Lupe disappears. In a mysterious and indecipherable way, everyone’s secrets begin to come to light, creating tension between the old friends and threatening to destroy the lives they built.
Tuesday, January 23
– The Last Repair Shop
Wednesday, January 24
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Episode 7 – “We Find Out the Truth, Sort Of” Our heroes journey across the Underworld, and bargain for their safety with the god of the dead.
A Real Bug’s Life– Premiere – All Episodes Streaming Inspired by the World of Disney and Pixar’s “A Bug’s Life,” the new Disney+ Original series from National Geographic, “A Real Bug’s Life,” is an incredible adventure into nine different micro bug worlds around the globe, where the forces of nature play out on a miniature scale and where tiny creatures rely on amazing powers and extraordinary alliances to make it through each day. The stakes are high … even if the critters are extraordinarily small. With new developments in filming technology and narrated by fun and witty guide Awkwafina, follow the incredible stories of the tiny heroes living in worlds beyond the imagination — from a jumping spider looking for a home on the streets of New York to a Costa Rican orchid bee’s first day on the job making perfume! Full of mind-blowing new behaviors and larger-than-life characters, this family-friendly series shows that “A Real Bug’s Life” can be every bit as fantastical as any animated film. “A Real Bug’s Life,” narrated by Awkwafina, premieres January 24 on Disney+.
Choir –Premiere – All Episodes Streaming “Choir” is a 6-part documentary series following the Detroit Youth Choir as they prepare for the performance of a lifetime. Through their eyes, we experience the highs and lows of life growing up in Detroit, navigating the challenges of balancing family, school, and athletics, all while pursuing dreams of taking their talents to the next level and performing on one of the world’s biggest stages. Assembled: The Making of Echo – Premiere Born in the heartland. Raised in the concrete jungle. Maya Lopez didn’t ask to be bad; she never had a choice. Join us as “Assembled” goes behind-the-scenes of Maya’s own groundbreaking series: “Echo.” Discover how members of the production’s cast and crew learned American Sign Language to create a more inclusive and accessible on-set environment. Witness the filmmakers taking unprecedented steps to portray Native American culture truthfully, and without artifice. Spend time with powerhouse actor Vincent D’Onofrio as he brings the Kingpin to monstrous life once more. The unboxing of this series’ creation culminates with viewers getting a front-row seat to Marvel Studios’ and Choctaw Nation’s first collaboration on a powwow.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Finale (Episode 8) – “The Prophecy Comes True” Mount Olympus beckons… and Percy must face his greatest battle yet.
Attention young explorers and LEGO lovers! Get ready for an awesome week-long New Year’s Eve celebration at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! From December 26th to 31st, the park will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s filled with holiday-themed fun just for YOU!
LEGOLAND is turning up the fun with a whole week dedicated to holiday cheers and New Year’s excitement. Each night, as the clock strikes 8 p.m., get ready for an amazing fireworks display that will light up the sky with colors and shapes. It’s like watching a LEGO set explode in the sky!
The week-long celebration culminates on December 31st with Central Florida’s ONLY Kids’ New Year’s Eve party! The celebration begins at 8 p.m. with the Annual Giant Brick Drop. Feel the excitement as we countdown to the New Year with a very special bedtime-friendly event. And the best part? Right after the Brick Drop, a Fireworks Extravaganza will fill the sky, making it the most memorable night ever!
Pack your bags, grab your LEGO bricks, and head over to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort for a holiday adventure you won’t forget.
If you are planning on visiting the Walt Disney World resort in January 2024, you may need to make a few adjustments to your itinerary. Disney is updating the Parade Schedule at Magic Kingdom, which will impact how you plan your day at the park.
Currently, the Festival of Fantasy parade runs twice per day, once at noon and a second time at 3 p.m. As the crowds begin to lighten following the holidays, the parades will be scaled back to one parade per day, which will be at 3 p.m.
The Festival of Fantasy parade is a fan-favorite parade at Magic Kingdom that features an array of characters, floats, motion, and original music. The parade aims to bring the stories of Fantasyland to life, featuring all of the inhabitants that call Fantasyland home.
Planning to ring in the new year at Walt Disney World? In true Disney fashion, the resort has an lineup of specialty treats ready to help you celebrate.
Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is offering a specialty DOLE Whip Pineapple Float made with passion fruit, orange, and guava juice and boba pearls topped with popping candy. The float will be available from Dec. 30 through Jan. 1.
New Year’s Cake Bar
Roaring Fork over at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is offering a New Year’s Cake Bar this year, which features strawberry mousse, champagne gel, vanilla cake, mirror glaze, and chocolate décor. The cake bar will be available from on New Years Eve and New Years Day.
New Year’s Eve 2024 Cupcake
Both Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is serving up a New Years Eve 2024 cupcake from Dec. 29 through Jan. 2. The cupcake is a Chocolate cupcake made with cherry filling, almond frosting, chocolate crispy pearls, and chocolate 2024 decoration.
Disney Genie+ is the paid skip-the-line service at Walt Disney World that allows guests to reserve access to popular attractions via Individual Lightning Lanes. The program uses a dynamic pricing model that increases in price based on guest demand. Considering the week of Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World, it should come as no surprise to guests that the price of Genie+ just keeps increasing as we get closer to Christmas.
To purchase the any park Genie+ (which you will need to park hop) or the Magic Kingdom Genie+ on Saturday, December 23, you will need to spend $39 per person. The next most expensive park is Hollywood Studios at $35 per person, followed by EPCOT at $32 and lastly Animal Kingdom at $29 per person. The top $39 price is a record high for Genie+!
The cost of Individual Lightning Lanes have also seen an increase, with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom costing $12 per person and TRON Lightcycle/Run costing $20 per person. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios will set you back $25 per person, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT costs $17 per person, and Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is commanding $16 per person.
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!
Toys for Tops, the Marine Corps Reserve Christmas gift donation program, aims to ensure every kid has a gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Disney supports the Toys for Tots initiative via the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, which has racked up more than 270,000 toys and counting this year!
Disney and Toys for Tots have a long and storied history, beginning way back in 1947 when Walt Disney and his team of animators designed the Toys for Tots logo (the very same logo that is being used today).
The Disney Ultimate Toy Drive program allows for donations to be made in person at Disney Stores, in Disney Springs, or at Downtown Disney. Donations can also be made online via the shop Disney website or app.
Cast Members on both coasts have been hard at work supporting the Ultimate Toy Drive. At Walt Disney World, cast member Jen McKechnie, has supported 100 charities during the Disney 100 Celebration. Her 100th organization was Toys for Tots, where she helped distribute toys donated by her fellow cast members to children and families in Florida.
Over at Disneyland, cast members in the Costuming department have continued their tradition of creating handmade bears and costumes from repurposed fabric to donate to Toys for Tots. These custom bears provide a one-of-a-kind new toy made with care for kids in need.
If you or someone you know is in need of a toy from Toys for Tots, information on the application process as well as where to find a local chapter can be found on the Toys for Tots website.
Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs Celebrates Christmas Weekend with 2 New Treats!
As the Christmas weekend approaches, Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs is ushering in the festive spirit with the launch of two tantalizing new treats that are sure to delight dessert enthusiasts. The renowned bakery, known for its decadent and handcrafted goodies, is capping off the year with a sweet celebration.
To make this Christmas weekend extra special, Gideon’s Bakehouse introduces the Krampus Snack Cakes, marking possibly the second favorite Limited Release of 2023. These handmade marvels embody the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and invigorating mint, all enrobed in an oversized dark chocolate coating. It’s a delightful combination that promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights. These exquisite delicacies will be available on both Saturday and Sunday at both Gideon’s locations. However, with a limit of 2 per person and available only while supplies last, you won’t want to miss the chance to savor this seasonal sensation.
Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Crumb Cookie Bites: A Week-Long Treat!
Adding to the festive lineup, Gideon’s Bakehouse presents Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Crumb Cookie Bites, available for approximately one week. Bid farewell to the year with the perfect bite—a spiced pumpkin treat dipped in luscious dark chocolate. Each bag contains six bites, ensuring a delightful indulgence to round off the year. These delectable treats can be found at both Gideon’s locations, with a limit of 2 per person and available only while supplies last.
Wondering about Gideon’s holiday hours? Fear not! Gideon’s at Disney Springs will maintain its normal hours, offering a sweet escape throughout the festive season. However, Gideon’s at East End will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, ensuring a well-deserved break for the bakers. For the rest of the days, regular hours will be in effect.
And there’s more! Gideon’s is spreading additional holiday cheer with a special gift for its customers. A rare Holiday Trading Card can be yours for free with any in-store purchase at either location on Christmas Eve. For those spending Christmas Day at Gideon’s in Disney Springs, the Holiday Trading Card is still up for grabs. Be sure to arrive early, as they are available while supplies last, with only one card given per person.
Indulge in the magic of the season with Gideon’s Bakehouse, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. From Limited Releases to week-long delights, Gideon’s ensures that your Christmas weekend is filled with sweetness and joy.
Two Seasonal Holiday Breakfast Items Arrive at the Galactic Grill
The Galactic Grill in Disneyland has received two new holiday breakfast items on its menu! Guests heading to Tomorrowland in the park will want to stop by and check them out.
Chocolate Cinnamon Comet Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew with hazelnut syrup and a cinnamon chocolate cream foam topped with a churro (Available through Jan. 9)
Chicken Tenders and Funnel Cake Fries served with house-made maple sauce
Are these food items you are interested in trying? You’ll want to head over to Disneyland soon as they are only available for a limited time!
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 free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Nick & Judy Star in New Zooptopia Pre-Parade at Shanghai Disneyland
There was a special Zootopia pre-parade at Shanghai Disneyland the other day to celebrate the opening of the new Zootopia-themed land. Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps were the stars of the pre-parade.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from the Disney animated film, ‘Zootopia’, each rode in their own police vehicle right before the ever-popular parade Mickey’s Storybook Express! Other characters from the film, along with cast members dressed as animals, followed close behind.
How cute are Nick and Judy driving in their police cars?
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 free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
