A new foodie fashion find has arrived to Disney World! A new Churro Ear Headband that is incredibly sweet and adorable is available now at the Creations Shop in Epcot for $34.99 and we hope we can find it soon online at shopDisney.
The design is simple yet satisfying with two chocolate dunked churros as ears and a sparkly white bow in the middle that could be inspired in the churro wrapping when you just got it.
A very cute ear headband to add to your collection and to celebrate National Churro Day this June 6th!
New Disney100 The Wonderful World Of Disney Crocs Now At Disney Springs!
Relive the golden age of Disney television with every step you take using these The Wonderful World Of Disney Crocs! We found them at Disney Springs for $64.99 and immediately fell in love with them, they feature the right amount of nostalgia and magic.
If you are not visiting Disney World anytime soon, you can also order them online at shopDisney!
The crocs are black with the Sleeping Beauty castle artwork and Tinker Bell and classic The Wonderful World of Disney logo Jibbitz on the front filled with pixie dust. They are gorgeous!
You can take a closer look at these crocs in our Instagram post:
Halle Bailey Surprises Families at Disneyland with Ariel Makeover & Movie Premiere
The unveiling of Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming film, “The Little Mermaid,” left audiences spellbound. The trailer not only showcased her remarkable portrayal but also triggered a heartwarming response among children who finally saw themselves represented in an iconic Disney Princess.
Among those who captured the world’s attention with their sheer joy and excitement were McKenzie, Madison, and Carter Lanier, along with Mckenzie and Riley Fleming. After their viral video reactions to the film’s trailer, Disney Parks and The Walt Disney Studios went above and beyond to make their dreams come true. Both families were cordially invited to Disneyland Resort for what they thought would be a thrilling vacation in the parks.
Little did they know, an extraordinary surprise awaited them during their visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. While receiving enchanting makeovers, these young ones were taken aback by a personalized video message from none other than Halle Bailey herself! Yet, the surprises didn’t end there. With a touch of Disney magic, Halle appeared around the corner, stepping into their presence. After exchanging hugs and sharing special words of wisdom, Halle extended an incredible invitation to the Lanier and Fleming families: to join her on the illustrious “blue carpet” for the highly anticipated World Premiere of “The Little Mermaid”!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has a long legacy of making dreams come true for families around the world. Disney Parks are thrilled to now offer more Disney magic and inclusivity at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique through a variety of styles for a range of guests with differing hair textures and types, opening up doors to more connection and inclusion.
In addition to expanding the legacy and helping to make the experience more inclusive, select Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations now offer a brand-new costume selection for both princesses and princes to choose from – all inspired by “The Little Mermaid”!
“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Be sure to see “The Little Mermaid” swimming into theaters on May 26th!
Limited-Time Jurassic Park experiences are coming to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary
June 11, 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the original Jurassic Park film. Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are marking the anniversary with special theme park experiences this summer.
Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort provides the perfect setting for a Jurassic Park celebration, with an entire section of the park dedicated to Jurassic Park. Guests can head through the Jurassic Park gates on the “Jurassic Park River Adventure” before experiencing the epic “Jurassic World VelociCoaster.”
Over at Universal Studios Florida, the Tribute Store is being re-themed into The Jurassic Park Tribute Store. The updated Tribute Store, opening on May 26, will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film. Guests can also shop exclusive 30th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles and more.
For dining options, guests will want to head over to Thunder Falls at Islands of Adventure to check out the Coconut Cajeta Churro (a caramel infused churro drizzled with coconut flakes and caramel sauce)and Prehistoric Raptor Wings (chargrilled chicken wings marinated with olive and spices then tossed in a sweet chili sauce and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and a plantain chip). Guests can also enjoy an exclusive Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Fanta flavor – the “Wild Refresherrrr” – starting June 1.
Universal Cinemark at Citywalk will show the original film on June 9, 10 and 11, allowing guests all stages to experience the landmark film once again on the big screen.
Guests of Universal Studios Hollywood looking to celebrate the anniversary of Jurassic Park will want to ensure they check out “Jurassic World—The Ride” before checking out the limited-edition merchandise. 30th anniversary merchandise will be available at the UNIVRS and Universal Studios Store on CityWalk and within the theme park at the Universal Studio Store and Jurassic Outfitters, located adjacent to “Jurassic World—The Ride.”
For dining options, guests will want to head over to Jurassic Cafe to experience limited-edition food offerings including rilled Veggie and Beef Skewers, Brazilian Cheese Bread, Raptor Hummus, Coconut Flan, Dino Chocolate Tres Leches Cake and a Family Feast (two half chickens and two skewers, hummus, chips, cheese balls, mojo pork and vegetables). Guests can quench their thirst with Jurassic World-themed Boxed Water, an exclusive Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary “Wild Refresherrrr” Fanta Flavor or an Amber Mojito.
Isla Nu-Bar will be expanding its menu to include a new “Jurassic Water” cocktail and dinosaur-themed wines – Pterrior Dactyl Rosé and Blanco-Osaurus. Cocktails can also be served in a new souvenir Volcano Tiki Cup.
Guests can also check out the original Jurassic Park film on the big screen the Universal Cinema AMC at Citywalk on the weekend of June 9.
Additional 30th anniversary content, beyond the park celebrations, will include new broadcast, digital and game content, and exclusive merchandise. A re-release of the Jurassic Park film, retail promotions, anniversary celebration events, and fan conventions are also planned. You can follow the hashtag #JurassicPark30 for more information about these anniversary activities.
Will you be celebrating the anniversary of Jurassic Park at one of the Universal theme parks this summer? 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 who specializes 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 World President Jeff Vahle Issues Statement on Lake Nona Campus Cancellation
Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle Addresses Lake Nona Campus Cancellation and Affirms Commitment to Walt Disney World Expansion.
Following the stunning revelation of Disney’s decision to cancel the Lake Nona campus in Florida for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products employees, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, Jeff Vahle, has issued an official statement.
In the statement, Vahle not only acknowledges the cancellation but also emphasizes the company’s dedication to expanding Walt Disney World, including the construction of affordable housing.
Today, you may have heard the news that Disney is no longer moving forward on the construction of a new campus in the thriving and growing community of Lake Nona in Orlando. Since we first announced this project, several dynamics have changed, including a change in company leadership and evolving economic and business conditions.
Regarding our world-class destination, our desire is to continue investing in our core business in an effort to attract and welcome millions of visitors to Walt Disney World and Central Florida each year so they can enjoy the kind of hospitality our region is known for around the world. Our plans currently call for us to invest $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years and create 13,000 new jobs to continue doing our part as a leading employer in the hospitality and themed entertainment industry. We hope those plans will become a future reality.
For decades, we have operated our business responsibly and being the region’s largest taxpayer, we paid and collected over $1.1 billion in state and local taxes during last year alone. As the largest single-site employer in Central Florida, we are deeply rooted in this community, and we continue to make investments for the betterment of our region such as our contribution of 80 acres of land to create affordable and attainable housing for our community, which we announced last year.
Groundbreaking on this development is targeted for next year, with the first of 1,400 units anticipated to be completed in 2026.
We also continue to invest in our community through our broad array of philanthropic and citizenship efforts. Over the last 20 months, we’ve provided $6.5 million in grants to locally based, non-profit organizations such as Give Kids The World, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Conservation Florida, Heart of Florida United Way, Hope Partnership, The Nature Conservancy and more. This is on top of the donation of millions of hours of time that our Cast Members have contributed to deserving organizations over the decades.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing dedication of the 75,000 Cast Members who call Central Florida their home. To them, we offer the best overall benefits package in the Central Florida hospitality industry, including an $18 minimum wage by the end of the year – which is well above the state’s minimum wage – affordable medical coverage, subsidized childcare, access to free higher education through Disney Aspire our 100% paid tuition programs, and pathways to help Cast at every step of their career.
While today’s decision was not easy, we remain committed to our Cast Members as well as you and our wonderful community.
Sincerely,
Jeff Vahle President Walt Disney World Resort
Disney has officially canceled plans to move Walt Disney Imagineering to Lake Nona Florida
Disney has officially canceled plans to move Walt Disney Imagineering to Lake Nona in Florida. Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Josh D’Amaro just emailed cast members letting them know of the decision.
You can read the statement issued to Disney World Cast Members from Josh D’Amaro here.
EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon Restored to Former Glory with Removal of Final Harmonious Barges. Later this year Disney100 celebration will come to EPCOT and Disney has finished removing the 50th Anniversary nighttime spectacular Harmonious and its water tacos.
The World Showcase Lagoon has clear sightlines for the first time in years.
Plus, a new nighttime spectacular will debut at EPCOT later this year, 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 along with select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts together as one.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Bookings to Resume on May 26th without Discounts
After a series of discounted offers in recent months, it is anticipated that the final voyages of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will not provide any discounts once bookings reopen. An exception will be made for a special offer exclusively available to those with reservations for voyages following the scheduled closure date.
Presently, bookings for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser remain paused until May 26th, allowing Disney to assist those with reservations for voyages scheduled after September 28th, the intended final voyage. When bookings resume next week, Disney Vacation Club members and Cast Members will not be eligible for the discounts that were recently offered, and voyages will be charged at their full price.
Moreover, Disney will be reaching out to individuals who have booked voyages beyond the planned closure date of September 30. These individuals will be given the option to reschedule or cancel their voyage, and they can expect to receive communication from Disney in the coming days. As compensation, those who choose to reschedule their voyage for an earlier date will be granted a 50% discount on the cost of their voyage.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Closing in September
Disney’s immersive Star Wars experience, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is permanently closing this September. Disney released a statement regarding the closure:
“The final voyage for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will take place Sept. 28-30, 2023.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our Guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our Guests and fans.
We will be contacting Guests booked for voyages departing on or after Sept. 30 to discuss their options and modify their plans. To prioritize these Guests, we are pausing new bookings until May 26.
Top of Splash Mountain Gone as Work Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Strike up the band because we’ve saved a seat for you on this musical journey with Tiana and friends! The all-new adventure which will bring guests into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” like never before is coming to the Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park in California in late 2024.
With Disney announcing that Tiana’s water tower topped with Princess Tiana’s tiara will be installed this summer, we are seeing major changes on the outside of the new attraction. Recently we saw construction crews working on removing the actual top of the mountain. All the theming and trees have now been removed. Check out the images below.
Disney News Highlights: Disney’s Lake Nona Campus Canceled, CA and FL Govorners Respond, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Permanently Closing, New Passholder Magnet.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Responds to Disney Canceling Lake Nona Move The Press Office for Governor Ron DeSantis has responded to the news that Disney has decided to cancel their plans to move Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona, Florida.
Disney On Ice – All-New Show On Pre-Sale NOW Disney On Ice – All-New Show On Pre-Sale NOW. Use code DSKATE, so that you can purchase tickets now before they go on sale to the general public on May 23rd. This year’s Disney on Ice will bring the most characters to the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration with a new show. The all-star cast includes Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana, and more! Tickets On Pre-Sale in select cities NOW!
New Disney And Marvel Pride Collections Now At Disney Parks And shopDisney! Pride Month is getting closer, get ready for it with the new Disney and Marvel Pride Collections that are now available online at shopDisney and Disney Parks! The collections feature ear headbands, apparel, toys, bags, accessories, home decor and more, everything is so pretty, take a look:
Disneyland Unveils Extensive 30-Year Plan for Theme Park Expansion Disneyland will be sharing its 30-year plan for theme park expansion with the Anaheim Planning Commission and City Council soon! Yesterday, Disney unveiled its plans to Orange County business leaders. The Anaheim theme park resort district is going to be extensively reimagined over the next 3 decades.
Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel Transformation Expected to be Completed by Winter
Disney’s Paradise Pier at the Disneyland Resort is currently being transformed into Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel! This renovation is expected to be finished by this winter.
The reimagining was first announced at the D23 Expo last year. Yesterday, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced that the transformation will be finished by this coming winter.
Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel
The hotel will weave the artistry of Pixar into its comfortable, contemporary setting, including fantastic areas for everyone to enjoy, like this “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad area.
And even more news Disney shared about the hotel – fans of fried chicken and maple bacon donuts, rejoice! The team from Southern California local favorite Great Maple will open a flagship restaurant on the first floor and operate other food and beverage locations throughout Pixar Place Hotel. This modern American eatery specializes in upscale comfort food with a twist, serving fresh takes on American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The entire hotel will receive Pixar touches. Guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a Pixar art gallery. There will also be new interpretations of some of our favorite Pixar pals!
Want to stay at the new Pixar Place Hotel? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency, and my services are complimentary.
Princess Storybook Dining breakfast is $53 per adult plus tax and gratuity and $34 per child plus tax and gratuity. The menu includes breakfast pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potato casserole, fruit, and Norwegian waffles.
The dining experience is all-you-can-eat family style dining. There is no buffet section.
We also got to see some of our favorite princesses! Previously, there was a Belle meet and greet at the beginning but that’s no longer the case. Belle comes out with the other princesses. We got to see Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Snow White, and Tiana.
Akershus is also open for lunch and dinner with family style dining. Have you had a chance to dine at this Epcot restaurant?
Want to plan your next visit to Epcot? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
Governor Newsom Calls Disney Canceling Florida Move a Win for California
Today Disney announced that the plans to move Imagineering to Florida have been canceled. Some consider this a win for California. Specifically, California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Disney has had plans to move Walt Disney Imagineering to Lake Nona, Florida. Those plans have continually been pushed back and now have been canceled all together.
California Governor Newsom has issued a statement regarding the change and is looking forward to more than 2,000 jobs staying in California.
“Authoritarian policies have consequences,” said Newsom. “This announcement is a victory for California, and the tens of thousands of Disney employees who know they can live in a state where they are respected and safe. Disney has invested billions of dollars in California, and we look forward to their increased investment and growth in our state.”
The decision to cancel the Lake Nona project came as a surprise to some. Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Josh D’Amaro emailed cast members with the announcement:
“I wanted to let you know that we’ve just begun communication regarding our updated plans for the Lake Nona campus As many of you know, the company had decided to build a new Disney campus in Lake Nona, and many Cast Members, Imagineers. and Employees were asked to commit to making a move to Florida.
While some were excited about the new campus, I know that this decision and the circumstances surrounding it have been difficult for others. Given the considerable changes that have occurred since the announcement of this project, including new leadership and changing business conditions, we have decided not to move forward with the construction of the campus.
This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right one. As a result, we will no longer be asking our employees to relocate For those who have already moved, we will talk to you individually about your situation, including the possibility of moving you back.
It is clear to me that the power of this brand comes from our incredible people, and we are committed to handling this change with care and compassion. I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business We have plans to invest $17 billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next ten years. I hope we’re able to do so.
We are committed to our teams who call Central Florida home and to all of our Cast Members around the world, and I want to thank you for your continued dedication to Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products and for delivering world-class entertainment for our Guests.”
This announcement comes as Disney is involved in lawsuits with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
What do you think of this change of plans for Walt Disney Imagineering?
