Universal Orlando has provided a look at the merchandise that is now available at the all-new Minion Land
Universal Orlando has released a first look at the merchandise that is now available at Minion Land. Minion Land is an immersive new area that expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and debuts a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages.
— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) June 6, 2023
The gift shop, which is now open, is part of the Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Villain-Con Minion Blast is an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience.
Check out the YouTube video below from Mousteps for a tour of the new shop:
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 who specializes in Universal destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Get ready to enhance your culinary expertise at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic! This year’s event, taking place on Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11, will feature a fantastic lineup of interactive food and beverage seminars.
These educational sessions offer guests the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of wine, beer, spirits, or pasta-making, guided by the renowned food and beverage team of the resort. Led by experts, these hands-on seminars provide an immersive learning experience that will expand your knowledge and skills.
Exciting updates have been made to this year’s seminars. Craft Cocktails will be offered on both Friday and Saturday, allowing guests to discover the art of mixology. Additionally, the Wine Blending seminar now includes a bottling component. Guests will have the unique opportunity to create their own custom Meritage blend and leave with a bottle of their creation to enjoy at home.
Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in these engaging and informative seminars at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. It’s an event that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your thirst for knowledge.
It’s Better to Wine in Italian (Italian Wines) – Friday
Base to Bubbles (Champagne) – Friday
Beer, Please! – Saturday
The seminars will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 11 prior to the outdoor festival. It’s Better to Wine in Italian and Beer, Please! seminar tickets are $75 per person, excluding tax. Base to Bubbles, Wine Blending, and Craft Cocktails seminars are $85 per person, excluding tax. Pasta Making seminar tickets are $110 per person, excluding tax. All seminars require separate tickets and space is limited. Specific dates and times of each seminar are available at www.foodandwineclassic.com.
The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic offers guests unlimited tastings at creatively spaced, outdoor stations featuring culinary and beverage selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. The event runs from 5:30-9 p.m. on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.
Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont is set to guest star in Season 2 of Alice’s Wonderland Bakery
Disney Legend Kathryn Beaumont, known for her iconic role as the voice of Alice in the 1951 film “Alice in Wonderland,” is making a delightful return to Wonderland. In an exciting development, she will be a guest star in Season 2 of the animated series “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” set to air this fall. The season will kick off with a 22-minute special called “Alice’s First Day in Wonderland.”
“Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is a fantastical show created for preschoolers and their families by Disney Branded Television. The second season is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, June 28, at 7:15 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior. Additionally, a batch of seven episodes will be available on the same day for streaming on Disney+ and other on-demand platforms.
In Season 2, we follow Alice, the great-granddaughter of the original Alice, as she embarks on a magical journey through the Looking Glass. After discovering a mystical mirror in the pantry, Alice finds herself transported to a whimsical chessboard world. Within this enchanting realm, Alice’s imagination knows no bounds. Guided by the Silver Queen, Alice and her friends, including Rosa, Hattie, Fergie, and others, will encounter a host of intriguing characters this season, such as Kyra the Knight, Jacques the Mock Turtle, and Mopsy the mop dog.
Alongside Kathryn Beaumont, Season 2 will feature an array of talented guest stars. Merle Dandridge, known for her work on Broadway and television, will lend her voice to the Silver Queen. Swayam Bhatia joins as Kyra the Knight, Mark Williams as Ribbitton, a frog footman, and Karen Fukuhara as Sakura, a singing and dancing cherry blossom. The original cast members, including Libby Rue as Alice, Abigail Estrella as Princess Rosa, CJ Uy as Hattie, Jack Stanton as Fergie, Secunda Wood as Cookie, and Max Mittelman as Cheshire Cat, will all be returning for the new season.
Additionally, beloved recurring cast members will make a comeback, including Craig Ferguson as Doorknob, Emmy® Award-nominated Eden Espinosa as Rosa’s mother, The Queen of Hearts, Grammy Award® winner Jon Secada as Rosa’s grandfather, The King of Hearts, Vanessa Bayer and Bobby Moynihan as twins Tweedle Do and Tweedle Don’t, Donald Faison as Harry the March Hare, Rich Sommer as Captain Dodo, Yvette Nicole Brown as Mama Rabbit, and George Salazar as Dad Hatter.
“Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is a production of Disney Television Animation. Executive producer Chelsea Beyl, co-executive producer and art director Frank Montagna, and producer Ciara Anderson lead the talented team behind the series.
Tom Brady Visits Disney World with His Kids and Receives Backlash from Disney Community. Celebrities at Walt Disney World are nothing new. They are not any different from guests who want to bring their families to the “The Most Magical Place On Earth” to enjoy rides, and snacks, and live their best Disney Life. Except they are not an average guest. Mr. Brady is a 7 time Super Bowl Champion who recently retired from the NFL.
Tom Brady, has ridden down Main Street USA after winning Super Bowl 53. He also was supposed to ride in the same parade in 2021 after winning Super Bowl 55, instead, the parade was canceled and Tom Brady brought his family instead. Making Lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop, and riding Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Now people are taking to social media to call out the special treatment some celebrities get while visiting Disney Parks. Do you remember last year the controversy about The Kardashians visiting Disneyland and having rides closed off for them to ride privately while everyday guests were left waiting extra time in line?
Last week Mr. Brady and his kids once again came to Walt Disney World Resorts to spend some time as a family. Enjoying some fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He went onto Instagram to express his feelings about the Tower of Terror “The happiest place on earth (until you realize your kids were lying about Tower of Terror being “mad chill”)”
The family enjoyed spending time in the Magic Kingdom and riding the Safari, and time riding Avatar: Flight of Passage. Here is where the backlash is coming from. Tom Brady and his Family can be seen in all the images alone on the rides. Meaning all the rides were closed off to other guests from riding with them.
Let’s put some facts out, Twilight Zone Tower Hotel has 4 Elevator Lifts. Avatar: Flight of Passage attraction has four theaters with six rows per theater that can seat eight riders per row, seating 192 riders in total at one time. So, truly how much effect did the Family really have on the guests enjoying the day at Walt Disney World?
Founded or unfounded, this one is up to your opinion. We must preface this by saying, we do not know if Mr. Brady and his Family paid for these services, or if Disney just made special arrangments for them. We also do not know if this was done for security concerns.
Celebrities get special attention, there is no denying it.
Here are the Top 10 Disney News Stories from Chip and Company for June 6th 2023. Snow White’s release date revealed, Disney100 Poison Apple Sipper Available At Magic Kingdom, Captain America: Brave New World Coming, Rainbow Pretzel at Disney Springs, plus more. Now in no particular order, here are yesterday’s top 10 news articles.
New Jungle Cruise Dessert Bowl at Disneyland There’s a new Jungle Cruise dessert bowl available now at Disneyland! You’ll find this super cute souvenir at Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland.
Disney Magic HAP-Pins 2023 Pin Trading Event Coming in August Are you a Disney pin collector or enthusiast? Do you enjoy the thrill of trading and acquiring unique and limited-edition pins? Then get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney pin trading at the highly anticipated Disney Magic HAP-Pins 2023 Pin Trading Event! Scheduled to take place in August, this event promises to be a haven for pin lovers, where you can meet fellow collectors, discover exclusive designs, and create magical memories.
Why We Love: Harambe Market Animal Kingdom has an abundance of fantastic dining experiences but there is something about Harambe Market that is precisely what one needs on a humid day at the parks.
Here are the Top 10 Disney News Stories from Chip and Company for June 6th 2023
Captain America: Brave New World Coming to Theaters in 2024 In a surprise announcement, Marvel Studios has revealed that Captain America is gearing up to make a triumphant return to theaters in 2024 with the thrilling installment, “Captain America: Brave New World.” Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the iconic superhero’s next chapter in what promises to be an action-packed and emotionally charged film.
New Tree Cake Coming tomorrow to Connections Cafe in EPCOT Baumkuchen, also known as Tree Cake, is coming to Connections Cafe in Epcot starting tomorrow, June 6! If you are a fan of traditional German desserts, you won’t want to miss this one.
Baby Groot Animatronic to Make his Debut at Disney’s Avenger Campus Soon
A Baby Groot animatronic could be coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park soon! Multiple sources say this new animatronic is currently being tested with small groups at the Disneyland Resort.
This new animatronic was first revealed by Walt Disney Imagineering in 2021 as “Project Kiwi”. The team also teased the robot on YouTube:
Twitter user Scott Gustin shared that select park guests are being invited to a short presentation with the Baby Groot animatronic.
Disneyland Resort is conducting play tests of an animatronic Baby Groot, a Disneyland official confirmed. Select park guests are being invited to a short presentation.
The tech from Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development was first revealed as "Project Kiwi" in 2021. pic.twitter.com/bQbRzTmOQh
It’s expected that Baby Groot will join Star Lord as part of a special Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance Off show. He will be able to interact, talk, and react to Star Lord. Currently, guests can meet Star Lord and Mantis at the Guardians of the Galaxy show.
Want to experience all Avengers Campus has to offer? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
New Itineraries Added to National Geographic Expeditions Portfolio of Global Destinations in 2024
Travelers will soon have more exciting destinations and countries to explore with National Geographic Expeditions. Beginning in 2024, three new itineraries spanning five countries will be added to the leading global travel portfolio, all featuring the incredible access, deep knowledge and extraordinary storytelling that only National Geographic can provide. Travelers will be inspired by the insights, beauty, landscapes and architecture as they discover the wonders of the world.
The new Signature Land trips visit Bhutan, Colombia and the Baltics. These group-guided itineraries will provide an enriching, in-depth look at the history, cultures and natural heritage of each destination. Each Signature Land trip is hosted by a National Geographic Expert who provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. With specialties such as filmmaking, conservation, photography, archaeology, geography and many more, the Experts who travel on Signature Land expeditions are passionate storytellers who have a close connection to National Geographic, and their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.
The remote kingdom of Bhutan welcomes travelers to experience the wonders of its dramatic landscapes and storied cities. An exploration of this Buddhist kingdom found on the Himalayas’ eastern edge is filled with a rich and unique culture and reflects its commitment to tradition, the environment and the happiness of its people. The 11-day, 10- night itinerary includes visiting much of Bhutan through major destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Unparalleled access: dining with Bhutanese dignitaries such as business professionals and government officials who will engage with guests and provide insights on everyday life in Bhutan and, a meet and greet with a Buddhist scholar and a privately guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Architectural wonders: touring Punakha Dzong to learn and appreciate Bhutanese architecture and visiting the golden Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Divine Mad Monk Monastery.
Cultural immersion: enjoying hands-on experiences such as participating in the butter lamp lighting tradition and lessons in the national sport of archery.
Renowned medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has been confirmed as one of the National Geographic Experts slated to join select Bhutan departures. Dunham has lived in Nepal studying Buddhism for the past 30 years. She is an avid storyteller with a focus on environmental conservation related to sacred spaces of Southeast Asia. Dunham has authored four books exploring the feminine divine in South Asian history and culture, and she has also produced more than a dozen films for National Geographic and others on topics ranging from Living Goddesses to polyandry, nomadism and geology.
There are five Bhutan departure dates in 2024 beginning in March and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past
Travelers will dive into a nine-day, eight-night tour through beautiful landscapes of Colombia from the mountains to the beaches. They will embark on a journey across Bogota, the Cocora Valley, Pereira, Santa Marta and through Tayrona National Park and Barranquilla to make their way to Cartagena.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Insider experiences: visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas, which was proclaimed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Inspiration from the past and the present: exploring the archaeological ruins of Taironaka, learning about the modern-day Kogi people or being immersed in the music and traditions of the celebrated Barranquilla Carnaval.
Delicious journeys: sampling local delicacies and savoring the flavors of the coffee region while learning how Colombia became one of the most popular coffee exporters in the world.
Spectacular wildlife: hiking through the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley or gazing in wonder at the endemic species of birds and mammals found in Tayrona National Park.
National Geographic Explorer Rosa Vásquez Espinoza has been confirmed as one of the Experts set to join select Colombia departures. Chemical biologist, educator, conservationist and TV personality, Espinoza travels to the most extreme ecosystems of the planet searching for the tiniest creatures, from heat-loving microbes to Amazonian stingless bees. She is passionate about driving awareness for conservation.
There are six Colombia departure dates in 2024 beginning in January and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
The Baltics: Enchanted Forests and Medieval Castles
The Baltics are classified as one geographic region, yet it consists of three distinct countries sitting on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Travelers will visit all three countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes each region unique, from language, traditions and beyond. The 11-day, 10-night itinerary will take travelers across destinations such as Vilnius, the Curonian Spit, Klaipeda, Riga, Sigulda, Gauja National Park and Tallinn.
Highlights of the expedition include:
History brought to life: delving into medieval times during privately guided excursions to Cesis Castle and Gusmanas Caves and more recent history of World War II and the Soviet Era during guided visits to the Ninth Fort, Hill of Crosses and Maajamae Palace. Each experience showcases how these countries changed over time and were influenced by foreign occupations.
Cultural preservation: cruising along the UNESCO recognized Curonian Spit or venturing through the UNESCO celebrated Old Town Centers of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
A taste of the destination: touring a local market in Riga and seeing — and trying — the local ingredients that make up Latvian cuisine.
Photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen has been confirmed as one of the Experts slated to join select Baltics departures. With adventures taking him to more than 60 countries around the world, Mauritzen’s photography has appeared in dozens of National Geographic books, several National Geographic Traveler magazine articles and on the @natgeotravel Instagram account.
There are four Baltics departure dates in 2024 beginning in May and extending through October. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
Bookings for all three itineraries will open on June 13, 2023, with early booking for the following travelers:
June 7 – Lifelong Explorers
June 9 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
June 12 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
June 13 – Bookings open for general public
Additionally, travelers interested in booking a vacation in 2024 with National Geographic Expeditions can also save with an early booking offer! Book before Sept. 5, 2023 and save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries and $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries.
Want to experience a National Geographic Expedition? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Walls Go Up Around Mission Space in EPCOT. Epcot is under a huge transformation right now with most work scheduled to be finished sometime this year. With Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana, Communicore Hall, and a brand new Nighttime Spectacular to premiere sometime in 2023.
Now it appears a few other things are going under the refurbishment list, or at the least being fixed and cleaned up. Probably to be finished just in time for Epcot to have an amazing party to welcome everyone to a fixed and cleaned-up Park.
Mission Space exterior is getting fixed up now. The walls just went up over the past few days. The entrance to the attraction is still open, but you now have to walk around some shrub walls. Furthermore, over on the Space 220 side, there is some screening in place now to keep people from viewing the work that is being done.
What’s it like to be an astronaut? You’ll find out on Mission: SPACE!
Before you board, you’ll train for your mission on the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle at the International Space Training Center (ISTC). Each member of your 4-cadet crew will assume an important role: navigator, pilot, commander or engineer. During your flight, cadets will be instructed to initiate a mission-critical sequence… so be prepared!
Next, count down to liftoff—and an incredible mission through space. Dodge meteorites and slingshot around the moon—or enjoy a flight path with breathtaking views of our home planet.
Your crew is counting on you to make the mission a success!
Crane Spotted in EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon as Work is Underway on New Nighttime Spectacular. EPCOT will host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort to commemorate this monumental milestone later this year.
Disney is inviting everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that will unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, music, and light.
Featuring an original composition and select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts as one.
We were over at Epcot and got images from the new constructions going on right now.
New California Resident 3-Day Disneyland Offer with Tickets as Low as $83 Per Day
California residents can once again enjoy discounted Disneyland tickets! These resident tickets are available for a limited time and are as low as $83 per day.
For a limited time, California residents can visit Disneyland Resort for as little as $83 per person, per day with this special ticket offer. These 3-Day, 1-Park per day tickets start at $249 for admission Mondays through Thursdays, or as low as $299 ($100 per day) for admission any day — including weekends — for eligible guests. Upgrades such as Park Hopper tickets or Disney Genie+ service are also available.
These limited-time tickets are available for purchase beginning today! California residents may redeem their tickets on any three eligible days from June 12-Sept. 28, 2023, subject to park reservation availability. Valid admission and park reservation for the same park on the same date are required for park entry. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer!
Disneyland Park
In the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown, you’ll find new, interactive experiences and returning familiar favorites, plus the new attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway,where the whole group can embark on a zany adventure through the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse on a train engineered by Goofy.
Part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, “Wondrous Journeys” is a heartwarming nighttime spectacular honoring 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios with nods to every film released by the iconic studio over the past century. State-of-the-art projections and fireworks bring these beloved stories to life in multiple locations through August 31, 2023.
A lively parade with nine vibrant floats, fashion-forward costumes and upbeat music, “Magic Happens” celebrates moments where magic comes to life with characters from Disney Animation tales including “Frozen 2,” “The Sword in the Stone,” “Moana” and “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”
In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,embark on missions to aid the Rebellion aboard two exciting attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Once you’ve completed your missions, wander the trade outpost on Batuu and perhaps spot some familiar faces including R2-D2, Chewbacca and the Mandalorian and Grogu.
Disney California Adventure Park
“World of Color — ONE” — an impressive water show which debuted on Paradise Bay as part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort — celebrates how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. The first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular with characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production, this show is sure to include some of your favorite characters.
For a limited-time engagement beginning June 30, 2023, “Rogers: The Musical” will tell the tale of Steve Rogers (or as you may know him better, Captain America) in an all-new, one-act musical theater production. Performed in the famed Hyperion Theater, the show will feature five original songs, appearances by select members of the Avengers and more.
In Avengers Campus, thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping on Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! and the whole family can help save the land from pesky Spider-Bots on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. After a busy afternoon around the campus, you may even encounter favorite Super Heroes such as Spider-Man, Black Widow and Black Panther.
In Pixar Pier, you can explore a whimsical boardwalk and enjoy attractions such as Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind or the high-speed Incredicoaster, dine on playful bites and drinks or perhaps even meet a character from a favorite Pixar story. And now, you can enjoy some of Pixar Pier’s attractions during “World of Color — ONE,” so you can see the show from a new point of view!
Plus, from Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2023, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will bring seasonal décor, bewitching new outfits for Mickey Mouse and his pals, the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland park and so much more across the resort. Plaza de la Familia will celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos in Disney California Adventure park from Sept. 1-Nov.2, 2023, with colorful décor, menu items inspired by Mexican cuisine and entertainment featuring characters and songs from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”
And when hunger strikes, you can enjoy classic treats like churros, popcorn and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars alongside refreshing sips like cold brews, mint juleps and slushies. Foodies may also want to try limited-time food and beverage offerings from the Disney100 Celebration.
With so much to see and do, there’s no better spot to enjoy California’s sunniest season!
Want to visit Disneyland this summer? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
These tags are available in 6 different types of wood with different colors and can be personalized with your name and address with phone number on the back. A great way to identify your luggage at the terminal or to add to yours kid’s school backpack.
Do you a have a birthday coming up and are celebrating at a Disney park? Let everyone know you are the birthday girl or boy and that you have a crew celebrating with you with these fun shirts! You can pick a different color for you to stand out and have the rest matching, such a cute idea for sure.
