Disneyland Sets Closure Date for ‘Haunted Mansion’ Expansion
Haunted Mansion at Disneyland will be closing for a big expansion soon! The refurbishment will include an expansion of the queue area, among other things, and now we know when the ride will be closing.
Disney previously shared that the additions to the attraction will build on the story and lore of the “Haunted Mansion” and include an expanded outdoor queue to immerse guests in enhanced theming. The carriage house will also be upgraded to become a new standalone shop.
Disney also announced plans to enhance the accessibility of the “Haunted Mansion” attraction during its refurbishment. This will involve the addition of a new elevator exit specifically designed for guests with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Currently, the ride is ‘Haunted Mansion Holiday’ for the holiday season. The last day guests can experience that version of the attraction is January 21, 2024. January 22 the ride will close and begin the massive refurbishment. Disney has not shared a reopening date or a timeline for the work being done.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be taking place in Anaheim August 9-11, 2024, so there’s a good chance the refurbishment will be completed by then. Disney will most likely want to have one of the most popular attractions open during that event.
Are you looking forward to seeing the completed Haunted Mansion refurb?
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 and my services are free.
Disney Aulani Mickey and Minnie Ear Headband Now At shopDisney!
This adorable Disney Aulani Mickey and Minnie Ear Headband is now available online at shopDisney for $39.99! So no need to go all the way to Hawaii for them, but honestly we wouldn’t mind the trip.
The headband features a tropical print pattern with Mickey & Minnie on each year and the Aulani Resort logo on the back. The bow features teal sequins with red fabric Hawaiian flowers with glitter centers.
The pillow is Mickey shaped and available in a variety of colors like pinks, blues or neutral colors. They will make a great addition to your couch or bed, plus they are great to cuddle with!
This is a great option as a gift for any Disney fan.
It features the classic christmas sweater pattern with stars, reindeers, wreaths, Christmas trees, the Home Alone house and of course Harry, Marv and Kevin! This movie is a classic every holiday season so of course getting this sweatshirt is a big YES!
Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs Opening Date Revealed
Disney Springs is set to welcome a new culinary hotspot, as the much-anticipated Summer House on the Lake is poised to open its doors on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Food enthusiasts and Disney aficionados alike can indulge in a California-inspired dining experience that promises a menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
While reservations are already available on OpenTable, fans will have to hold tight for the ‘My Disney Experience’ app to catch up. The restaurant aims to bring the laid-back vibes and exquisite flavors of California to the heart of Disney Springs, offering guests a taste of the West Coast without leaving the magic of Florida.
The culinary journey at Summer House on the Lake is a celebration of simplicity and sustainability. The menu showcases a range of dishes crafted with care, utilizing ingredients from local grower partnerships. From salads bursting with vibrant produce to hearty sandwiches, delectable pastas, and mouthwatering pizzas, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
One of the standout features is the Rosé Cart, ready to pour refreshing glasses of rosé throughout the day. The beverage menu extends beyond rosé, offering an extensive selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails to complement the diverse culinary offerings.
While reservations can already be secured on OpenTable, the arrival of Summer House on the Lake adds another layer of excitement to the vibrant Disney Springs dining scene. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that captures the essence of California living, bringing a touch of the Golden State to the enchanting world of Disney. Mark your calendars for December 14 and get ready to savor the best of California at Disney Springs’ newest culinary gem.
We were able to find the Disney Wish Star Sipper at the Connections Cafe in Epcot for an additional $13.50 when you purchase a beverage of your choice! It’s so adorable, we couldn’t resist getting it.
The sipper is inspired in the magical Star from Disney’s Wish with a “clear” yellow/ orange color and a purple strap to carry it with you everywhere you go.
You can take a closer look at it in our Instagram post:
New Disney Pets Dooney And Bourke Collection Spotted At Epcot!
We are obsessed with the new Disney Pets Dooney And Bourke Collection we spotted at Epcot! This is definitely a must have collection in your wardrobe, so cute.
The satchel bag is a classic! You can’t go wrong with this style, it also features the all over pattern of adorable Disney pets and floral designs against a sand color background plus dark brown details and gold hardware.
CROSSBODY
This crossbody bag is a great size that is also super fashionable to carry all your essentials, it features an all over pattern of beloved Disney pets like Figaro, Marie, Lady, Tramp, Winston, Cheshire Cat, Pluto, Little Brother, Pongo, and Mochi plus colorful flowers.
Jonathan Majors Trial Enters Second Week as More Witnesses Testify
The trial for Jonathan Majors’ alleged assault entered its second week this Monday, with additional witnesses taking the stand. Majors’ ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, claims that he assaulted her in the backseat of a car on March 25.
During her testimony last week, Jabbari stated that she discovered a text message on Majors’ phone from another woman expressing a desire to kiss him. When she attempted to investigate, Majors forcefully retrieved the phone, resulting in bruising, swelling, and “excruciating” pain for Jabbari. She suffered a swollen finger and a cut behind her ear as a result.
Following the car incident, Jabbari left the vehicle and encountered three unfamiliar individuals on the street. She shared the details of the altercation with Majors, and they provided comfort and support to her outdoors.
In court on Monday, Chloe Zoller and Max Manning, two of the individuals Jabbari encountered on the street, provided testimony. Zoller mentioned that Jabbari appeared “visibly upset” outside, and initially, she didn’t observe any injuries on Jabbari. Upon entering the club, Zoller recounted that Jabbari later expressed discomfort with her finger. In response, Zoller offered her some ice from a drink bucket on their table to alleviate the pain.
Naveed Sarwar, the chauffeur of the car in which Majors and Jabbari drove, provided testimony with the assistance of an interpreter. He mentioned that the couple appeared “fine” earlier in the day, but things changed when Jabbari saw the text message on Majors’ phone in the evening. Sarwar testified that Jabbari got “angry,” leading to an argument between her and Majors.
Sarwar said, “I was feeling something was going on in the backseat. When I reached Canal and Centre Street, [Majors] wanted to get rid of [Jabbari] and he opened the door…I saw they were fighting when the car stopped. He was trying to get rid of her.”
The prosecution presented video footage from security and traffic cameras, revealing the altercation between Majors and Jabbari, their departure from Sarwar’s car, and Jabbari encountering the three individuals on the street.
Attorney Priya Chaudhry, representing Majors, has claimed that it was Jabbari who assaulted Majors in the vehicle that night, not the other way around. Sarwar testified that he initially thought Jabbari might have struck Majors during their argument in the backseat, but the judge reminded him to only describe what he personally witnessed.
The defense has contended that Jabbari invented the accusations as a means of retaliation against Majors following their breakup. They initially met in August 2021 on the London set of Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and were in a relationship for two years before Majors terminated it on the night of the purported assault.
Majors is currently facing trial for three misdemeanor counts of assault and harassment, and he has entered a plea of not guilty. If found guilty, he could potentially be sentenced to up to a year in prison. Check back for updates on this trial and its impact on the MCU moving forward.
Animal enrichment is a key focus of the animal care teams at Walt Disney World
As the festive season approaches, Disney’s animal care team has presented a delightful surprise to the western lowland gorilla family troop–specially wrapped Christmas gifts! These aren’t ordinary presents; they’re filled with the gorillas’ favorite treats like oats, popcorn, alfalfa, hay, carrots, and more. Watching these magnificent creatures open their gifts is not just fun but also a crucial part of their enrichment.
Enrichment plays a vital role in the animals’ lives at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s designed to stimulate their natural behaviors such as foraging, sniffing, climbing, and jumping. This helps keep the animals both physically and mentally healthy. The way they interact with these enrichment activities gives our animal care and behavioral husbandry teams valuable insights into their overall well-being.
Working alongside Walt Disney Imagineering, the animal care team utilizes the latest in 3D printing and motorized mechanics. One such innovation featured in “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” is the motorized cheetah ball, allowing cheetahs to engage in natural hunting behavior.
The innovation at Walt Disney World extends well beyond the innovative attractions and immersive nighttime spectaculars to every aspect of the parks, including innovation in animal care. It is this commitment to excellence and Imagineering that allows Disney to care for these animals in such an amazing and inspiring way.
Photo Credit: Aaron Wockenfuss/Walt Disney World
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!
Disney Springs West Side is now the home of GoJuice Mobile
GoJuice Mobile has expanded its presence in central Florida. The popular mobile juice bar is now a part of the Disney Springs family, setting up shop in the exposition park area of Disney Springs West Side.
GoJuice Mobile is known for its delicious, healthy juices and smoothies. Made from fresh fruits and vegetables, these drinks are tasty and good for you. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost or a refreshing treat, GoJuice has something for everyone.
Guests can choose from various juices and smoothies, each packed with natural goodness. It’s a great way to stay energized and hydrated as you explore the magic of Disney Springs. The diverse menu is designed to cater to nearly any taste, with drinks that will appeal to kids looking for a fruity drink and adults seeking a healthful option.
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!
National Sangria Day is on December 20th, and Jaleo in Disney Springs is the perfect place to celebrate!
National Sangria Day, which is observed on December 20th, is just around the corner! The day is dedicated to enjoying the delightful blend of fresh fruit and wine. Guests can commemorate the occasion by heading over to Jaleo Disney Springs, which has several ways for you to celebrate the day!
Jaleo Disney Springs, a gem led by celebrated chef José Andrés, invites guests to indulge in its Sangria Hour, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bar. During Sangria Hour, you can enjoy popular Spanish delicacies like Patatas Bravas and Croquetas de Pollo. Don’t miss the highlight – a fruity and spiced Frozen Sangria, a perfect companion to these savory tapas.
Special Deals at Pepe by José Andrés
Until December 30th, Pepe by José Andrés is offering half-price on both frozen and regular sangrias with any Spanish-style sandwich purchase. This quick-dining spot is famous for its Spanish food truck fare, offering a variety of bocatas, bikinis, salads, soups, and mouth-watering desserts.
Prefer to celebrate at home? Try your hand at making Jaleo’s classic Sangria de Lujo Tinto. This bold, fruity red wine sangria is a blend of spiced wine, gin, brandy, and citrus. The recipe is simple yet luxurious, perfect for dinner parties or relaxing days at home. At Jaleo Disney Springs, you can even watch this sangria being prepared tableside!
Jaleo Disney Springs is the ultimate spot to honor National Sangria Day. Whether you’re sipping sangria at the restaurant or making it at home, this day is a toast to the joy of Spanish cuisine and the vibrant culture that surrounds it.
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!
Disney Grants Make a Wish for Future Coaster Engineer
A future coaster engineer recently had his Make a Wish grated at the Disneyland Resort! 11-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Ross is an aspiring Disney Imagineer from New York.
While undergoing treatment for leukemia, Ross learned about Disney’s world-famous coasters by watching the Disney+ series, “Behind the Attraction.” He wished to meet the Disney Imagineers, learn how they design Disney coasters, and experience them at Disneyland Resort during his very first trip to a Disney park.
Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative engine that imagines, designs and brings to life Disney Experiences. They’re responsible for creating Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships and more. They take awesome characters and stories that guests love and make them tangible all around the world.
One of the best parts of working at Imagineering is the people – they represent more than 100 different disciplines with more than 500 U.S. patents from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development combined.
To grant Ross’ wish, Disney took him on the journey of how attractions are created: from the blue-sky design phase all the way to testing out the coaster.
Behind the Scenes at Disney
First, Ross started at Imagineering’s Headquarters in Glendale, California for a behind-the-scenes tour. Tours of Walt Disney Imagineering are rare. A creative force, a historical treasure, a dream factory and a hub of science and technology, Walt Disney Imagineering is a place of legend. It’s the only think tank created by Walt Disney himself.
Ross was invited to step in and meet the people who make the magic and take a peek at how they make dreams come true, including Ride Engineering Studio Executive Mark Mesko and Principal Production Designer Ric Turner. Mark and Ric showed Ross how Disney’s creative, engineering and technical teams work together to create an incredible story through the coasters.
Then, it was time to see it all come to life at Disneyland Resort. Ross joined the Walt Disney Imagineering Anaheim team, including Creative Development Executive Steve Roach, to see how attraction concepts are constructed into the real thing.
Finally – it was the moment Ross was waiting for – his first ride aboard the Incredicoaster. Ross’ reaction was absolutely INCREDIBLE!
When asked to sum up this wish in one word, Ross said “Surreal.”
For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to deliver joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families around the world. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney has helped fulfill more than 150,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish, and Disney is thrilled to help make wishes like Ross’ come true for kids passionate about Walt Disney Imagineering.
Congratulations to Ross and to all the Imagineers for building the perfect wish for Ross!
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
