Exciting news fellow Disney fans-it seems like our favorite playful purple dragon, Figment, has been spotted at none other than Walt Disney Studios. While we can’t confirm any official reason for the visit just yet, this sighting has sparked speculations about the possibility of a Figment movie in the works!
Based on this info being shared on at least two different official Disney accounts, it is obvious Disney is trying to tease an upcoming Figment project. The most likely connection is an upcoming Figment movie. Disney has successfully adapted their theme park attractions into films in the past, and Figment’s unique character and imaginative world could provide fertile ground for a captivating cinematic adventure.
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!
First Look at some of the New Offerings Coming to Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs
Summer House on the Lake will be opening this winter in Disney Springs. It will be the fourth location of the California-inspired restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, joining existing locations in Chicago, IL. and North Bethesda, MD., and Las Vegas, NV. From the decor to menu, here are four exciting things guests can look forward to at Summer House on the Lake.
Summer House on the Lake will introduce the brand’s first-ever “Cookie Bar,” featured front and center at the restaurant’s entrance. The Cookie Bar will serve a variety of the restaurant’s beloved oversized cookies, bars, and other sweet specials. Guests can indulge in flavors like Sea Salt Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, Oatmeal Scotchie, Apple Oatmeal and Vegan Snickerdoodle, as well as rotating seasonal flavors.
The bar will offer a selection of coffee, wine and beer on draft, as well as specialty cocktails such as the Tropical Dreams with vodka, Pamplemousse liqueur, and habanero honey, all available to enjoy at the restaurant or take to-go around Disney Springs. Guests will also be able to purchase a bottle of the restaurant’s own private-label wine, Summer House Rosé, to take home with them.
Insta-worthy Rosé Cart and Summery Sips
Another reminder that it’s always summer at Summer House is the Rosé Cart. Summer House on the Lake’s Rosé Cart will offer more than six varieties of rosé by the glass or bottle, including the restaurant’s star Summer House Rosé, made in partnership with California-based BonAnno Wines. The Summer House Rosé serves as a standout in the robust rosé program, offering a delicate and floral taste with tart cherries and watermelon, complementary to the lively and fresh menu and representative of the restaurant’s overall beverage approach. A selection of spritzes, summery cocktails (including zero-proof options), fresh juices, and a largely California-sourced wine list add to the laidback West Coast vibes.
Cali-Mex Weekend Brunch
Summer House on the Lake’s West Coast-inspired menu will feature celebrated favorites and signature items exclusive to Disney Springs. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with options including: Mexican Hash Browns; Breakfast Pizza with applewood bacon, a sunny side up egg and parmesan cream; and Breakfast Tostadas.
Fluffy pancakes and waffles, salads, and sandwiches will also be available, alongside a selection of other items from the lunch and dinner menus. Guests can also expect seasonal salads, artisan pizzas and entrees like Herbed Chicken Paillard and local Grouper Fish ‘n’ Chips with malt vinegar fries and tartar sauce. An extensive kids menu will be available all day – with a choice of vegetables or fries on the side.
California-Cool Design
Summer House’s design brings the beauty of a summer day indoors, welcoming guests to enjoy sweeping views and a relaxing lakeside breeze. The space, which boasts three bars, an airy, natural light-filled dining room centered around a lush tree reaching toward a skylight, and greenery throughout, was designed in collaboration with renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group.
Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor dining, Summer House offers both freestanding tables and banquettes ideal for families and large groups. An iconic centerpiece of each Summer House location that will be included at Summer House on the Lake is the bright blue “YES” sign located in the dining room. It symbolizes the entire team’s commitment to “saying yes” to the guest, making each dining experience a memorable one.
Are you looking forward to dining at Summer House on the Lake when it opens?
If you’d like to plan your next 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.
Sneak Peek at New Starter Decks for Rise of the Floodborn
It’s no secret that we are enamored with the hit Strategy Card Game Disney Lorcana. We have been playing this game nonstop since its launch in August, and we got a chance to preview the two single-player starter decks from the upcoming Rise of the Floodborn Expansion set. The first expansion will launch at local games stores on November 17th, and in larger retail locations on December 1st.
Bringing together Disney’s century of storytelling experience and Ravensburger’s 140 years of games excellence, Disney Lorcana is the world’s most welcoming trading card game (TCG) and the ultimate Disney collectible.
Here, two or more players become “Illumineers” and wield magical inks to summon a team of Disney characters known as glimmers, who appear in both familiar and fantastical ways. Players explore the realm of Lorcana alongside their teams of glimmers as they race to be the first to collect 20 “lore.”
In each game, players will play characters, actions, and items from their hands and choose whether to have their characters “quest” for lore or challenge opponents to slow them down. So let’s discuss how these new starter decks set players up for entrance into this game.
Tactical Teamwork (Amber / Sapphire) We play tested this deck in several games and we love the synergy between our Amber Seven Dwarves Cards. All of the Dwarves can be inked, and the most expensive of the dwarves is Happy with a cost of 5. We are in love with “The Queen” who can help support other cards during a challenge. This deck looks competitive straight away, and with Sapphire helping control the action, Tactical Teamwork seems a ferocious deck for both casual play and competitive games. Judy Hops can help keep opponents items at bay and the Gumbo Pot will give your Dwarves a little help in the healing department. Check out the full card list below:
Might and Magic. Amethyst glimmers like Merlin and Madam Mim take center stage and will have your opponents off balance the entire game. Steel cards continue to menace in this Starter Deck with powerhouse cards like Kronk: Junior Chipmunk packing some punch with 4 Strength and 5 Willpower. However, he can resist 1 damage done, so he’s going to be hard to banish in a challenge outright. Same goes for Tiana: Celebrating Princess who resists for 2 with a Willpower of 4. Nobody knows how the Meta Game will change with the addition of incredible cards in Floodborn, but both of these decks can handle themselves without any tweaks.
Amethyst
3x Chip the Teacup – Gentle Soul
2x Dr. Facilier – Savvy Opportunist
3x HeiHei – Persistent Presence
3x Kuzco – Wanted Llama
1x Madam Mim – Fox
3x Madam Mim – Snake
2x Merlin – Crab
3x Merlin – Goat
1x Merlin – Rabbit
1x Merlin -Shapeshifter
2x Merlin – Squirrel
2x Freeze*
2x I’m Stuck
Steel
2x Beast – Forbidding Recluse
2x Benja – Guardian of the Dragon Gem
2x Cinderella – Knight in Training
2x Eli La Bouff – Big Daddy
2x Hercules – Hero in Training
1x Kronk – Junior Chipmunk
2x Lawrence – Jealous Manservant
3x Lilo – Galactic Hero*
2x Prince Eric – Dashing and Brave*
3x Prince Naveen – Penniless Royal
1x The Huntsman – Reluctant Enforcer
2x The Prince – Never Gives Up
1x Tiana – Celebrating Princess
3x Tiana – Diligent Waitress
2x Last Cannon
2x Mouse Armor
Ravensburger delivers continued excellence with the Starter Decks. We owned all three Starter Decks from The First Chapter and found them to be both competitive and fun to play. We entered two local tournaments and won the first and placed second in another. So you don’t have to spend a fortune to make a splash at your local game shop. MSRP on both Starter Decks is US $16.99 / CAN $21.99.
Each deck includes everything you need to start playing against another player. Each Player must have their own deck, so purchase both of them if you want to have a player versus-player game in your own household. Both decks contain 60 cards, damage counters, a paper playmat, player tracker tokens, a rule set, and one boost pack of randomized cards.
Booster packs will also be available at your local games store to help you customize either one of these decks to suit your play style and strategy. Booster Packs retail for MSRP US $5.99 / CAN $7.99 and contain 12 randomized cards.
We own all three original Starter Decks from The First Chapter, and we love both Might and Magic and Tactical Teamwork. My daughter and I trade various decks and play every single night. Tabletop gaming and card gaming have become our favorite family pastimes. The best part about Disney Lorcana is that the game is scalable to add additional players, so the entire family can get in on the action; so we recommend purchasing all five available starter decks if possible.
We can’t wait to run to our local games store on Friday to pick up more booster packs and we are on the lookout for additional items like the Illumineer’s Trove, playmats, deck boxes, and card sleeves inspired by the artwork of Rise of the Floodborn.
If you are not looking to become a player, Rise of the Floodborn features more than 200 original cards with brand-new artwork and is highly collectible. The set will be released on November 17, 2023, at local game stores and Disney Parks, and then more broadly on December 1, 2023, at mass retailers and on shopDisney.
There are two sizes available and you even choose the color and if you want generic brand or Stanley tumbler. Is fully laser engraved with Cinderella castle, fireworks and beloved Disney characters all around, super cute!
New Mickey Mouse 95th Anniversary Plush Now At shopDisney!
Let’s celebrate! This new Mickey Mouse 95th Anniversary Plush is available now online at shopDisney for $29.99, you just have to sign in with your Disney+ account and get yours early. A great way to celebrate Mickey’s birthday this November 18!
This soft plush was developed by Disney Store Japan! A special Mickey plush edition that is stylishly dressed in a black velvet tuxedo and removable magnetic top hat, plus simulated patent leather shoes, satin spats, bowtie, cummerbund and trims. Minnie’s sure to be impressed!
The number of dates with available tickets for More Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party seems to be getting smaller by the day!
We previously reported on several dates for this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party being sold out. Even MORE dates have sold out since then, and the number of sold-out dates now outnumbers the number of dates with available tickets!
The magic of the holiday season at Disney has always been a draw for visitors of all ages. This year, the excitement is palpable, with many dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party already sold out. Here’s a quick glance at the sold-out dates:
Book in Advance: With the popularity of the event, it’s crucial to book your tickets as early as possible.
Plan Your Visit: Check the event schedule to make the most of parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Dress for the Occasion: Embrace the festive spirit with holiday-themed attire.
Arrive Early: To make the most of your time, arrive early and plan your activities.
If you’re considering attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year, act fast to secure your spot before all of the tickets are gone!
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!
It can hold 18 k-cups and is available in wood or pvc in a variety of colors. You can also choose to the bow color you prefer plus make it solid or with polka dots. Super cute addition for any coffee lover!
Mickey And Friends Holiday Loungefly Collection Spotted At Walt Disney World!
If you are visiting Walt Disney World soon, you have to check out the Mickey And Friends Holiday Loungefly Collection featuring a light up Loungefly backpack and matching ear headband for a look filled with holiday cheer and Disney magic!
This festive backpack features characters like Santa Mickey Mouse, Mrs. Santa Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Simba and Stitch with Christmas tree that also lights up! At the top you can see Stitch’s star speeder slides up, and on the sides you will find Alice and the Cheshire Cat, as well as, Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
The back features Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Bambi, Thumper, and Genie opening presents on Christmas day!
The ear headband features Mickey and Minnie on each ear in their holiday attire in the middle of Christmas wreaths with colorful light bulbs that actually light up! It also features a puffy satin red bow and green faux leather headband.
New Disney Classics Holiday MagicBand+ Spotted At Magic Kingdom!
Add a touch of holiday cheer to your wrist with this new Disney Classics Holiday MagicBand+ we found at Magic Kingdom for $44.99, you can also get yours online at shopDisney! A perfect new accessory for your visit to Disney World this holiday season.
The MagicBand+ is black and features beloved Disney characters along the band like Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, Stitch, Genie, Cheshire Cat, Bambi, Thumper, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Alice, Simba, and Stitch plus holiday icons. The tappable icon features a Mickey Mouse ornament for an extra festive touch!
You can take a closer look at this MagicBand in our Instagram post:
Jollywood Nights Hollywood Studios Opening Night Review
Now that we’ve had a chance to travel home and settle we have a few things to discuss about Jollywood Nights. This hard-ticket event promised to transport guests into a world of nostalgic Hollywood glamour, blending the charm of classic Tinseltown with the enchantment of the holiday season. Jollywood Nights is a four-hour after-hours party that offers a unique blend of stage shows, exclusive party snacks, character meet and greets, and the opportunity to ride blockbuster attractions with minimal wait times. That’s what we were promised, but did the event deliver?
Let me start by saying the vibes are incredible. As soon as guests step into Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Jollywood Nights, they are greeted with a captivating atmosphere that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood. The park was transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and a sprinkling of Disney magic. We always love Hollywood Studios during the holidays, but the optional vintage dress code added an air of sophistication that really classed up the event.
Themed venues like the “Jazzy Holidays” at the Hollywood Brown Derby and the Twilight Soiree added to the Vintage Hollywood motif and were really fun additions that set the stage for the evening. We like that the party had an adult feel to it. Whereas Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is geared towards families, Jollywood Nights had an “adult’s night out” feel. We appreciated a more mature experience at Disney Parks.
Easily the best part of the evening was the addition of exclusive shows. Jollywood Nights features two brand-new stage shows that bring the magic of the season to life. From dazzling dance numbers to heartwarming musical performances, both shows were filled with artistry that left us wanting more.
“What’s This? Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along” was showcased at the Hyperion Theater. The silent theater elements were brilliant, showcasing a creative way to incorporate Tim Burton’s classic tale in a whole new way. However, the Jack Skellington puppet stole the show. This 15-foot puppet was an imaginative way to bring this fan-favorite character to life on stage. This show has been in development for well over a year and tapped into the background of Director James Silson’s diverse talents.
Jollywood Nights added a second blockbuster entertainment offering with “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” at the Theater of the Stars. This show revived the glitz and glamour of a vintage Hollywood television show, combining elaborate choreography, over-the-top musical numbers, and a heaping dose of Holiday Magic. We adored the Mickey and Minnie dance number, harkening back to the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers style productions. The show also offered a brand new musical number featuring Tiana which was written and produced specifically for this show.
But the moment that brought down the house was when Kermit and Miss Piggy appeared from behind a pile of Christmas Presents. Disney will hopefully be inspired by this outpouring of love for the Muppets and continue to offer more representation in future park offerings.
One of the highlights of Jollywood Nights is the chance to meet beloved Disney characters in unique holiday attire. We met the Fab Five – donning glamorous Hollywood-inspired outfits. The character meet and greets at Jollywood Nights are a photo opportunity not to be missed.
Phineas and Ferb, Powerline Max, Chip & Dale, Edna Mode, and Frozone greeted guests throughout the night. There were some long lines, but that is to be expected at every event as guests clamor for their perfect picture with their favorite Disney characters.
We didn’t have much of an opportunity to try the food, as we were focused on the shows and unique entertainment offerings. There were long lines for food throughout the night at Fairfax Fare, ABC Commissary, and Pizza Rizzo. Guests were eager to snag a “Gertie Cookie” and long lines built up for exclusive food offerings. We recommend the Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls and PB&J Donut from Fairfax Fare. While the lines were long, many moved quickly – and again the key was maybe waiting till the end of the night. Since this was the first night of the event, we are hopeful that lines will be shorter deeper into the season.
I will say this I think for the price tag of this event it would have been nice if Disney offered up the Gertie Cookie for free for this event. The Gertie Cookie was really good and really hit the spot for a quick sweet fix. Just like picking up Hot Cocoa and a Cookie at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Disney could hand out this cookie as guests walk by and take those stunning photos of the Echo Lake Area.
Our favorite moment of the night was the Twilight Soiree underneath the Tower of Terror. The spectral house band featuring Rachel Copeland materialized in the courtyard near the gift shop exit. The Jazz band was simply incredible, but the lead singer’s voice gave us the chills. Our only complaint is that the location of the band was too small given the immense talent of the performers, we’d like to see this stage in an open area so that it can be enjoyed by more people. Also it was tough to get into the area because there was competition with the beverage service that was going on in the same general vicinity.
As we bid farewell to the enchanting Jollywood Nights, it’s worth noting that, much like the opening night of Disneyland itself, perfection is a journey rather than a destination. While the event may have had a few minor hiccups, it undeniably lays the foundation for something truly spectacular. The bones of Jollywood Nights are robust, and the melding of Hollywood glamour with holiday cheer creates an atmosphere that is uniquely Disney.
Our only critique is we’d like to see some time added to the event – given the amount of things that can be done and the cost of the event, we’d like to get another hour, maybe two so we can take a more relaxed pace to enjoy the food and offerings. We found ourselves running from shows to characters to food, and it ruined the relaxed Hollywood vibes that Disney has carefully worked to curate.
Just as Disneyland’s opening night had its snafus, it marked the start of an extraordinary legacy, and we have every reason to believe that Jollywood Nights is destined for similar greatness. As Disney continues to fine-tune and refine this magical experience, we eagerly anticipate the evolution of Jollywood Nights into a holiday tradition that will captivate and enchant guests for years to come. So, let the magic live on, and here’s to the exciting future of Jollywood Nights!
Special thank you to Disney for inviting us to such a fun and unique experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Gold D23 Members are receiving an exclusive Mickey Mouse Milestone Statue this year
D23 Gold Members are receiving an exclusive and remarkable gift as part of their membership benefits this year– the Mickey Mouse “Leader of the Club” Milestone Statue. This unique gift has been crafted to commemorate a century of Disney’s magical storytelling and to mark the Disney 100 celebration!
According to D23, the statue was designed by Grammy-winning music producer James Fauntleroy. It reflects a “platinum” aesthetic, resonating with the grandeur of the Disney100 Celebration. The exclusive statue features Mickey Mouse in a stylish varsity jacket adorned with the Disney100 Celebration logo, embodying the spirit of this significant milestone.
This special collector’s item is a part of the 2023 D23 Gold Member Collector Set, which also includes a D23 membership card and a certificate. The set has been made available from January 1, 2023, to both new and renewing members who choose either the D23 Gold Membership Individual Plan or the D23 Gold Membership Duo Plan.
D23 Gold Members can once again also choose their membership card design, with Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney as available designs. The cards also carry a platinum aesthetic and feature a variety of characters.
Are you a Gold D23 member? If so have you received your statue this year? Leave us a comment to let us know!
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!
Celebrate Thanksgiving at home with Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. This year, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ at Disney Springs is making your holiday preparation a bit easier with an exciting offering: for the first time ever, a Thanksgiving Dinner for 4, available for pickup!
Chef Art Smith, renowned for his Southern-style comfort food, has prepared a Thanksgiving menu that’s sure to delight. This catered meal is perfect for those staying on Disney property or for locals looking to simplify their holiday preparations.
The Thanksgiving Dinner from Homecomin’ is a culinary journey through traditional flavors with a gourmet twist:
Smoked Turkey with Gravy: The centerpiece of the feast, this turkey is smoked to perfection, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Andouille Sausage Cornbread Stuffing: A southern take on a classic, this stuffing is a delightful mix of spicy and savory.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce: No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce, and Homecomin’s homemade version is a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Whipped Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and smooth – these mashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest.
Southern Green Beans: Cooked with care, these green beans add a fresh and healthy touch to the meal.
Cheddar Drop Biscuits with Fig Jam: A unique twist on traditional biscuits, these are cheesy, fluffy, and served with a sweet fig jam.
Hummingbird Cake: End your feast on a sweet note with this classic Southern cake, known for its rich flavor and moist texture.
Feeding a party of four, this complete Thanksgiving dinner is priced at $200 plus tax. Remember, there are no substitutions, and orders are on a first-paid, first-served basis. Due to limited quantities, we highly recommend you get your orders in ASAP. Pick-up is available on November 21st and 22nd only.
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!
