Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park reopened November 13,2022 providing guests with an array of arctic adventure amid the warm climate in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests experienced the new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Frozen inside Tikes Peak, as well as plenty of mouthwatering culinary creations and popular polar attractions (Amy Smith, photographer).
(Amy Smith, photographer)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Closed Today Due to Low Temperatures
Blizzard Beach Water Park, part of Walt Disney World, will be closed today due to chilly weather conditions. The cold temperatures have prompted the closure of both water parks at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
The water park closure is in effect for Monday, December 11, 2023, due to the lower temperatures.
Orlando’s weather forecast for Monday, December 6, anticipates a high of 66 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 49 degrees Fahrenheit with partly cloudy skies, as reported by weather.com.
As of now, the park is set to resume its regular operating hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all other days this week. However, these plans may be subject to change based on weather conditions, with Tuesday’s forecast projecting a high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also closed for its annual refurbishment is Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Typhoon Lagoon closed on November 5th with no expected reopening date officially announced.
Learn to draw characters from Disney’s “Wish” at The Animation Experience at the Animal Kingdom
Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom can participate in a unique experience! The Animation Experience at Conservation Station teaches you to create your own sketch of a beloved Disney character. Now, the new characters from Disney’s “Wish” are part of the lineup!
Artists of all skill levels can learn how animators use real-life animals as inspiration for characters in their favorite Disney animated films and create their own animation masterpiece to take home.
Valentino, the goat from “Wish”, is just one of the new characters guests can learn to draw. Each 25-minute class will offer something different. The characters change throughout the day so be sure to check the schedule.
You can check out The Animation Experience at Conservation Station by taking the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Have you ever learned to draw a character at the Animation Experience?
If you’d like to start planning your next visit to Animal Kingdom, 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.
Pro-Palestine Protest Closes Entrance to Disneyland
Yesterday, more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in a protest that temporarily halted vehicular traffic at Disneyland’s eastern entrance on Saturday afternoon.
The protestors aimed to draw attention to the Walt Disney Company’s financial support of Israeli aid organizations. The demonstration, which took place along Harbor Boulevard from 1 p.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., prompted the Anaheim Police Department to close traffic in the area. According to Sgt. Jon McClintock, APD’s public information officer, the protest remained peaceful, and no arrests were made.
This marked the first pro-Palestine protest at the park, as highlighted by Rida Hamida, founder of Latino Muslim Unity, the organization leading the demonstration in collaboration with Jewish Voice for Peace, the Islamic Society of Orange County, Black Lives Matter’s Los Angeles chapter, and other local groups.
Hamida stated, “People need to recognize that these corporations are complicit, that Disney is complicit with genocide.” Protesters held signs with messages like “Shame on Disney,” “The happiest place on Earth kills children,” and “Stop funding Israel terror,” addressing Disney’s recent $2 million donation to organizations offering humanitarian relief to Israel.
“Disney has failed to recognize, condemn or even send some type of message that is empathetic to Palestinian suffering and the genocide that’s happening in Gaza,” said Hamida. She emphasized the protesters’ message: “Shame on Disney for not seeing that Palestinian children matter, and are just as equal as Israeli children.”
Reports from Spectrum News revealed that Disneyland covered its marquee sign on Harbor Boulevard during the demonstration. Hamida believes this move was intended to dissociate the park from the protest in photos or videos.
“With today’s demonstration, our focus was on the safety and well-being of our guests, our cast members and employees, and the protestors, and we coordinated closely with public safety officials and community leaders to help maintain order,” a Disneyland spokesperson told SFGATE in a statement. The spokesperson did not comment on the park’s decision to cover its marquee sign.
Cruise Critic names Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line as “Best for Families”
Editors at Cruise Critic recently named both Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line as “Best for Families” in its river cruise and ocean cruise categories, respectively.
Whether enjoying a guided trip with Adventures by Disney or sailing the seas with Disney Cruise Line, families are sure to have an award-winning time traveling the world together.
From Adventures by Disney’s knowledgeable Adventure Guides that deliver VIP experiences and magical moments to our authentic itineraries and hassle-free approach to travel, families will find fun for everyone.
Adventure Guides: Disney-trained Adventure Guides will attend to every detail of the trip full of masterful storytelling, in-depth local knowledge and attention to detail.
VIP Experiences & Insider Access: Get insider access and unique behind-the-scenes glimpses through immersive experiences and special events around the globe.
Magical Moments: No matter where in the world our guests go, fun surprises will make every trip extra special for the whole family.
Authenticity: Local experts and Adventure Guides share personal stories and knowledge to immerse in the vibrant cultures and rich traditions of the places our guests visit.
Hassle-Free Travel: Transportation, transfers, baggage handling and activity fees during the trip are taken care of, so families can relax and enjoy an amazing adventure.
Fun for Everyone: Activities during the trip include experiences like adult-exclusive wine tastings, scavenger hunts for Junior Adventurers and fun family favorites for everyone.
The Disney Difference of Disney Cruise Line
Sailing with Disney Cruise Line brings families together with live shows, family-friendly staterooms, spectacular fireworks at sea, incredible destinations and so much more.
Enchanting Family Entertainment: Enjoy Broadway-quality live shows; dance beneath fireworks at sea; and meet favorite Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters.
Onboard Accommodations: All staterooms feature innovative comforts and modern amenities for families, including lots of storage.
Dining for Every Taste: Savor artfully prepared, gourmet specialties and scrumptious, quick-service bites inside themed restaurants.
Pools & Waterslides: Splash it up with the entire family in themed pools and at aqua play areas and take a thrilling ride down twisting waterslides.
Disney Castaway Cay: At Disney Castaway Cay, just for Disney Cruise Line Guests, find a place at our expansive family beach, glide down waterslides and feast on a mouthwatering barbeque lunch.
Travel the World: Chart a course with family and friends on an unforgettable voyage to places full of history, culture and beauty and share in the experience together during an exciting Port Adventure.
Guests say time and time again one of the biggest Disney differences they experience onboard is the legendary service delivered by the Crew Members. In addition to being named Best for Families by Cruise Critic, Disney Cruise Line was just ranked as the top cruise line on Forbes’ 2024 Best Customer Service list.
Escape With Two Vacations in One
Guests can combine these two award-winning vacations into one with Adventures by Disney Escapes, available to book during their Disney cruise by extending their vacation before or after their cruise with an onshore escape, allowing for extra time to unwind and take in the city sights. Adventures by Disney Escapes are available in select cities in Australia, Europe and North America.
About Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 650,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world’s largest online cruise community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers.
Guided by the Cruise Critic editorial team’s impartial cruise expertise and based on first-hand experiences and industry knowledge, the awards name the best-in-industry while also helping travelers select the best cruise for their specific interests and needs.
Ready to book your next Disney vacation? Contact me today! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disney Cruise Line prepares 900 meals for local students during the holidays
The holiday season can be a challenging time for children who rely on receiving their meals from school. Disney Cruise Line cast & crew recently volunteered in Florida preparing meals for students.
To help ensure Brevard County students receive the food they need over the winter break, Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members volunteered at The Children’s Hunger Project while the Disney Wish was docked at Port Canaveral, Florida.
The team assembled 900 pre-packaged meals which will be delivered to students this month. Disney Cruise Line has supported The Children’s Hunger Project for many years as part of its commitment to invest in programs that support local youth and create lasting, positive impact in its port communities.
Disney is well known for supporting local communities like this.
If you’d like to start planning your next Disney cruise, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free.
The Yule Chai is a limited holiday drink available now. It is spiced chai, whipped cinnamon cream, toasted marshmallow, holiday sprinkles, and a candy cane.
Raglan Road has your Christmas and New Years plans covered
Looking for plans for Christmas dinner and/or New Years Eve? Look no further than Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, where the merriment of Christmas and the excitement of New Year’s come together in true Irish style!
Raglan Road has your plans for Christmas Dinner covered with a Christmas Day feast. Picture this: you, your loved ones, and a plate filled with the finest Irish culinary treasures. Raglan Road’s Christmas dinner menu offers a delightful spread, including butter and herb roasted turkey, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey glazed carrots, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, sausage meat and walnut stuffing, and red wine jus with cranberry sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Ireland. And the best part? All of this can be yours for $39.99 per adult and $19.99 per child.
As the year comes to a close, Raglan Road is ready to usher in the New Year with not one, but two celebrations! Get ready to raise your glass twice on New Year’s Eve, first at 7:00 pm EST, and then again at the stroke of midnight. The first toast is a nod to the Irish New Year, bringing you a step closer to the magic of Ireland. And when the clock strikes twelve, it’s time to join the world in bidding farewell to 2023 and welcoming the promise of 2024.
As you enjoy your flute of complimentary bubbly, the talented musicians and dancers of Raglan Road will be on hand to pump up the fun and bring in the New Year with a bang. You can expect fanfare, music, and dance that will have you on your feet and filled with the joy of the season.
Don’t miss out on these festive holiday gatherings at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. It’s where the Irish spirit meets the joy of the season, and where traditions come to life in the most delightful way possible. Cheers to a Christmas and New Year’s celebration you’ll treasure forever!
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!
Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the week of Christmas will enjoy extended park hours!
Get ready for an extra dose of magic this holiday season, as Disney announces extended theme park hours for the week of Christmas. From December 24 through 30, visitors to Walt Disney World Resort will have more time to play in the world famous theme parks of the Walt Disney World resort.
Magic Kingdom will kick off the festivities by opening an hour earlier at 8:00 a.m. each day during Christmas week. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you’re in for an even earlier treat, with early entry at 7:30 a.m. The fun doesnt end in the A.M., as Magic Kingdom will remain open until Midnight from December 24-December 30.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios joins in the holiday fun with an 8:30 a.m. opening time, accompanied by early entry at 8:00 a.m. for on-property guests during the same period. The park will continue to close as planned at 9:00 p.m.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the animals will rise and shine an hour earlier, with the park opening at 8:00 a.m. instead of the usual 9:00 a.m. And if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, your day gets even earlier with early entry at 7:30 a.m. As a special holiday treat, the park will keep the magic going with evening hours extended until 8:00 p.m. from December 25 (Christmas Day) through December 30. On Christmas Eve, December 24, the park will close at 7:00 p.m.
Extended evening hours have been reserved for select resort hotel guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on December 28. With regular park closing at 8:00 p.m., these lucky guests can continue the fun with extended hours lasting until 10:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your Christmas week at Disney even more memorable with extended hours, early entry, and the chance to experience the magic well into the night. Whether it’s meeting beloved characters, enjoying thrilling rides, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere, this holiday season at Disney promises to be truly enchanting!
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!
The updates to the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris are nearly complete
The highly anticipated reopening of the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris is just around the corner, scheduled for January 25, 2024. The iconic five-star hotel has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment, promising a magical experience like never before.
The refurbishment of the Disneyland Hotel is nothing short of a fairy tale come to life. Every facet of the hotel’s interior has been meticulously reimagined, from the luxurious rooms and suites to the enchanting dining options. Drawing inspiration from beloved Disney royal stories such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and many more, every detail within the hotel’s decor is designed to immerse guests in the world of Disney storytelling.
As guests step into the grand lobby of the Disneyland Hotel, they are greeted with a royal experience that sets the tone for their stay. The lobby draws inspiration from world-famous European castles, blending precious materials, ivory, and gold accents, all complemented by unique lighting, sounds, and scents that change with the time of day. A dazzling Bohemian crystal chandelier, representing the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, takes center stage, adding to the lobby’s enchanting beauty. Royal Greeters and La Troupe Royale Disney, a joyful duo of comedians, stand ready to welcome guests with surprise sing-alongs and royal tales.
The hotel’s rooms and suites have been transformed into elegant sanctuaries that seamlessly blend Disney storytelling with modern comfort. From the Superior and Deluxe rooms to the Castle Club rooms and Signature Suites, each accommodation is adorned with dream-inspiring artwork and subtle decor accents. The pinnacle of luxury can be found in the 16 Signature Suites, including the Princely and the Royal Suites, which feature unique design elements directly inspired by Disney classics like “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” and “Frozen.” These suites bring beloved Disney scenes to life, making guests feel like they’ve stepped into the heart of their favorite films.
The dining experience at the Disneyland Hotel is nothing short of gourmet perfection, infused with French savoir-faire and creative flair. The Royal Banquet invites guests to dine amidst a gallery of paintings featuring Disney Animation’s royal families, with dishes inspired by the homes of beloved Disney Princess characters. Guests can also meet and dine with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends, all dressed in regal attire exclusive to the hotel.
Disneyland Hotel goes above and beyond in offering tailor-made luxury experiences, including personalized services and numerous delights. The Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins and Health Club provides a range of classic and signature treatments, ensuring guests can relax and rejuvenate. The Crystal Pool, with its spectacular glass and metal roof inspired by the Laeken Royal Greenhouses in Brussels, invites guests of all ages for a leisurely dip. Disneyland After Dark Events Coming in 2024
The reopening of Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris on January 25, 2024, promises a captivating and immersive experience for Disney enthusiasts of all ages. With its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to storytelling, the hotel is set to create unforgettable memories for guests from around the world. Prepare to step into the enchanting world of Disney like never before!
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!
Walt Disney Company Nominated for 40 Critics Choice Awards!
Today, The Walt Disney Company secured an impressive 40 nominations for Critics Choice Awards Television, marking the highest number for any studio, streaming service, or broadcaster. These nominations span across various content brands and studios under the Disney umbrella, such as 20th Century Studios, ABC Entertainment, Disney+, Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television and ABC Signature, FX, FX Productions, Hulu Originals, Marvel Studios, and National Geographic.
Scheduled for Sunday, January 15, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on The CW network. Keep an eye out for the upcoming film nominations set to be released next week; it’s anticipated that Disney will receive numerous nods in that category as well. Are any of the nominees your favorites?!
Avis is the New Sponsor of Autopia in Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris Partners with Avis for Autopia Adventure
Beginning on December 18, 2023, Avis, the Official Car Rental Partner, is set to play a key role in Disneyland Paris’s iconic Autopia attraction. This collaboration aims to elevate the guest experience by infusing Disney magic into the ride and incorporating nods to the Avis brand.
Autopia, presented by Avis, will offer guests an enhanced adventure with new scenic elements carefully crafted by Walt Disney Imagineering. These additions will seamlessly integrate Avis’ core values into the storyline and history of this beloved attraction. The attraction entrance photo location has undergone renovations, now featuring the distinctive red color associated with the Avis brand.
As part of the enhanced experience, drivers setting out on Autopia will receive a special commemorative driver’s license, serving as a delightful keepsake from their visit to Autopia, presented by Avis.
In keeping with Disney Parks traditions, a brand-new attraction poster has been created and will soon be showcased in Disneyland Park, both under the Main Street, U.S.A. station and on the Discoveryland station platform. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for Autopia and Avis, promising guests an unforgettable journey through this reimagined attraction.
A partnership designed to enhance the guest experience
As a new step in the partnership between Disneyland Paris and Avis launched in January 2023, this integration at Autopia adds to many other initiatives already in place to make one of the world’s leading car rental companies an integral part of the experience, including special offers and discounts, joint communication campaigns, and an all-new rental agency at Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station to be unveiled in January 2024.
A day not to be missed!
At the opening on December 18, 2023, the first 100 guests to (re)discover this experience will leave with a print of the new attraction poster. Whether you’re a regular guest or experiencing the attraction for the first time, the integration of Avis at Autopia will be the perfect opportunity to (re)immerse yourself in this iconic Disney Parks adventure.
An all-new waterslide, Tassie’s Underwater Twist, is coming to Aquatica Orlando in Spring 2024
Aquatica Orlando has been named the best water park in America for four years in a row by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice. And now, they’re gearing up to welcome you to an exciting underwater adventure! In the spring of 2024, they’ll introduce their newest addition, Tassie’s Underwater Twist.
Tassie’s Underwater Twist is a one-of-a-kind experience that will take you deep into the ocean’s wonders. The all-new ride, made by WhiteWater West Industries, is 129 feet long and desinged to be ridden by two riders on double tubes. The attraction takes riders into a massive bowl-shaped section, where they start circling around and find themselves surrounded by lush seagrass meadows, schools of colorful fish, and even the occasional shark. The attraction will also feature video and music that show riders the underwater world in all its glory.
Guests can experience the best of Aquatica Orlando with a 2024 annual pass including the opportunity to be among the first to experience “Tassie’s Underwater Twist” before it opens to the public. 2024 annual passes are on sale now and start at $13.25 per month with no down payment. Pass Members enjoy unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits like free parking, free guest tickets, monthly rewards, exclusive VIP events and more at Aquatica Orlando.
A vibrant aquatic landscape, splashed with South Seas spirit and dotted with towering, colorful slides, Aquatica Orlando delights all ages and interests. This one-of-a-kind water park, voted the #1 water park in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Poll, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides, featuring 50 slides, rivers and lagoons and 84,000 square feet of sparkling white, sandy beaches. Aquatica isn’t all about dashing and splashing though.
This lush, laid-back playground is perfect for going with the flow. Wade into lazy rivers and wave pools without waiting in line and watch cares float away. Or grab a cozy lounge chair on one of Orlando’s loveliest beaches and sip a refreshing cocktail. Two large play areas just for kids make Aquatica the perfect spot for family fun. Aquatica offers exclusive attractions that promise unlimited fun, sending guests on amazing undersea adventures.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy an Orlando area 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 Orlando 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 Orlando vacation package through me!
