We have some updated photos of the DVC Tower Construction at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Construction on the new DVC tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort has been continuing full steam ahead. We have some updated photos of the DVC Tower Construction at ready to share with you that demonstrate the commanding size of the new building.
The photos, which are taken from the ground near Shades of Green, demonstrate the impressive size of the new DVC tower.
The tower stands very tall high above current buildings at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, as well as the buildings at the nearby Grand Floridian Resort.
The concept art for the DVC Tower shows theming consistent with the Polynesian, so the DVC tower should blend in better with the rest of the resort when it is fully completed.
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 cone features Pistachio and Purple Cheesecake Swirl ice cream served in a black vanilla cone, topped with chocolate sprinkles and a Hitchhiking Ghosts chocolate medallion (they sadly were out of the medallions when we visited).
The combination of the pistachio and cheesecake flavors in the ice cream was very good; the pistachio flavor was not overpowering and had the flavor of a pistachio cheesecake. The black vanilla cone as also very tasty, and complimented the ice cream nicely.
The Haunted Mansion Cone is available for a limited time at Swirls on the Water, and costs $6.49.
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!
We spotted a new Little Words Project Pop Up Shop in Disney Springs
Guests visiting Disney Springs and parking in the Orange Garage will notice a new shop just past the escalators when entering the shopping district: the Little Words Project has set up a kiosk.
The kiosk contains several displays showing the various bracelets that are for sale. Various themes and bracelet types are available from the Little Words Project, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Bridal, Zodiac, and even collaborations with the musical Wicked, Sororities, and Universities. The shop is the 10th retail shop and the very first mobile caravan.
The Little Words Project was started by Adriana Carrig, Founder & CEO, who started making bracelets that served as wearable affirmations for herself and her sorority sisters after years of being bullied by her peers. Fast forward ten years (and millions of bracelets), and the Little Words Project is changing the world by reminding bracelet wearers that kindness is contagious, free, and a ‘superpower.’
The Little Words Project has donated over $545,000 to various causes such as cancer prevention and mental health awareness.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Disney and TikTok Launch Content Hub in Celebration of Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary
Starting October 16 to celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary, we’re unveiling an exclusive destination on TikTok for our dedicated community of Disney enthusiasts. This unique interactive space brings together stories, magic, and memories in a first-of-its-kind experience.
Fans can enjoy a variety of videos spanning Disney’s diverse brands, craft their own videos using Disney music and effects, participate in daily Disney trivia, and engage in the fun of collecting and trading “Character Cards” featuring beloved characters. Successful trades will earn fans unique profile frames, allowing them to proudly display their Disney fandom.
“The Walt Disney Company has an incredible legacy of bringing joy and excitement to a global community through its iconic films and TV series, heartwarming characters, thrilling parks and memorable brands,” said Nicole Iacopetti, Global Head of Content, TikTok. “We’re thrilled to partner with Disney to celebrate the company’s undeniable impact on entertainment and on families around the world, starting by giving TikTok’s passionate community of Disney fans unique access to content and experiences they can’t find anywhere else. We look forward to continuing to partner alongside Disney to give our community new and exciting opportunities to enjoy their favorite content.”
“For more than 100 years, Disney has been a leader in creative innovation and storytelling, so we are thrilled to continue that legacy with this first-of-its-kind experience on TikTok,” said Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “With over 240 billion views across Disney’s portfolio of brands and experiences, TikTok has become a go-to destination for Disney fans to create, engage and connect around their favorite Disney films, shows, characters and experiences, so we’re thrilled to partner with them as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company.”
With more than 48 Disney handles participating, the four-week activation will be live in 24 regions around the globe, highlighting the breadth of content from The Walt Disney Company. Fans of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, ESPN, National Geographic, Disney Parks, and beyond can expect daily reminders of why they connected with their favorite characters, franchises, movies, and Disney memories.
Whether they celebrate legacy films, heroes from the #marvel universe (277B views) or newer classics like #encanto (31.8B views), Disney fans come to TikTok to connect and create entertaining, insightful videos that make the shared Disney experience on TikTok special. The creativity of Disney’s brands is beloved by more than 150 million followers of Disney-operated TikTok accounts, who tune in for the action on can’t-miss moments on @espn, on-the-ground excitement from @disneyparks or educational content from @natgeo.
In addition, TikTok is curating a special Disney100 Playlist for our community featuring some of the most popular hits from the Disney catalog, including songs from classic movies like “Cinderella” and “The Lion King” as well as the upcoming “Wish,” alongside hits from the likes of “Toy Story” and “High School Musical.”
Pulse Premiere
Disney is a culture driver on TikTok, entertaining audiences, engaging sports fans with short-form videos spotlighting all the game action on ESPN, and connecting communities at large. To help brands stay on the pulse of the most impactful moments on the platform, we are excited to announce that in addition to launch of the Disney100 hub, Disney will become a TikTok Pulse Premiere publisher, allowing advertisers to deliver ads adjacent to some of the most premium entertainment and sports content in the world only from Disney on TikTok’s For You feed.
It’s getting close to snowbird season, and for those seeking to escape the harsh winters of the northern states, becoming a Florida snowbird often offers the perfect solution. The term “snowbird” refers to individuals, typically retirees but now including those who work at home, who migrate to Florida during the winter months to enjoy its mild winter climate, abundant sunshine, and an array of leisure activities.
With so many Disney Lovers working from home many are considering If you’re considering joining the ranks of these seasonal residents, here’s a guide on how to be a Florida snowbird and make the most of your winter escape. Central Florida offers some great benefits for snowbirds as well: Shelter from the storms that mainly affect the coast, access to preeminent golf courses, and of course Disney World and the other Central Florida amusement parks.
There are benefits to each category.
Orlando is a metropolitan and tourist area. Many Florida travelers are not familiar with the residential areas surrounding Disney World. There are several different types of homes one can purchase. Residential, over 55, Short-term rentals, Golf course homes, and Villas just to name a few. The next few paragraphs will show you the diverse areas, communities, and types of homes available.
Residential homes offer the ability to have a full home for yourself which you can stay in at will when you visit Disney. If one was to reside at the property for six months and a day or more you can Homestead, making Florida your primary residence and virtually lock-in your property tax (not increase over 3%) and Florida does not have state taxes. But always do your own tax research. Snowbirds tend to seek out under 4-bedroom homes such as these.
If you don’t wish to rent the home out Residential homes in Winter Garden, Windermere, Sections of Clermont, and more offer great options. Residential areas include golf community homes, communities with extended amenities, and townhomes, perfect for snowbirds because they, like condos, can be more “lock and leave.”
Snowbirds tend to seek out under 4-bedroom homes such as these.
Central Florida short-term rentals (ala VRBO/AirBNB) aren’t as seasonal as other Florida vacation towns (the slow periods are just May and September). Which offers the ability to rent the property out during those periods when not in use by the snowbird. I find that renters are more interested in the number of bedrooms than the size of the home. Owners can keep their personal items in an owner’s closet when not residing in the home.
Golf communities can be the best of both worlds. A home where you can drive your golf cart to the first tee. Then at night take a walk through World Showcase at EPCOT. For the Golfing Snowbirds, it’s a win-win!
Over 55 communities, while you will not find an over 55 community that will allow you to rent out when you are not there ie: short-term rental. It would be against HOA rules to rent for less than a year or seven months (depending on the community). There are several with 2 types of homes, Single-family which start at 2 bedrooms.
Villas (sort of like a townhome but you share just one wall with another unit, also called a 1/2 duplex) offer the ability to Lock and Leave since maintenance to exterior and landscape is covered by the HOA.
There are several different over 55 communities near Disney World, The newer the home the newer (younger) the residents. I equate it to Coming into High School as a Freshman or a Senior, why not be at the same point in life? If you wish to be with people closer to your own age a new community would fit that bill.
The snowbird lifestyle is unique. You can visit when you need to or stay for several months. “Escaping” the cold weather of the north is a dream for many, I can make it a reality.
Our good friend Victor Nawrocki shared this very helpful article with us.
Victor is the official Realtor of the Chip and Company Website and Podcast! So if you are thinking about relocating to Florida, reach out to Victor and let him help you! Just fill out the form here and he will be in touch.
Did we mention he is a HUGE Disney Addict as well? He likes to do live streams from available homes and communities in the Disney World area on his YouTube channel so check him out!
Disney World Resort Celebrates Opening of Journey of Water with Orlando Community
The official opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is happening soon! Disney celebrated the opening of the new attraction with some special “wayfinders” from the Florida community and beyond to channel their inner Moana and experience the attraction before its official debut on Oct. 16.
Students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida had the time of their lives befriending the ocean – from literally creating waves, to making music with strings of water and even discovering how water connects people all over the world. It warmed my heart to see them laughing, learning and sharing in this truly unique experience together. Diving even deeper, Walt Disney Imagineers spent some time with the young voyagers, providing a peek behind the curtain into how the beautiful, lush landscape and interactive experience was created.
Once a Boys & Girls Clubs member himself, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings joined in the fun, helping students learn all about water conservation and how we can protect our planet together right here in Florida.
“As a former cast member and now Orange County Mayor, I see how invested Disney is [and has been] in making positive impacts for our community,” said Mayor Demings. “What they’re doing at this attraction in teaching the importance of water conservation to the thousands of guests who visit EPCOT each day will translate to awareness for our environments here in Florida and around the world.”
Journeying from farther north, Disney also hosted a brave warrior from Maine and his family for an extra special wish trip to Walt Disney World. Nine-year-old Carter has been in and out of hospitals since he was 4 months old, and his family has been looking forward to this trip to make some happy new memories together. He wished to meet his favorite Disney hero, Moana. So, who better to be the first guest to meet Moana in her new greeting location at EPCOT than Carter? His eyes lit up when he first saw the strong-willed wayfarer and that smile never left his face as he splashed around inside the attraction joined by two of the Imagineers who dreamed up the new trail.
And, this was just one part of his wish trip! In addition to exploring all four theme parks, our friends from Give Kids The World Village hosted Carter and his family for a week-long stay. Give Kids The World plays an integral role in the wish-granting efforts at Walt Disney World and provides a space for children facing critical illnesses and their families to laugh, play and create priceless memories together away from hospital visits and medical procedures.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana officially opens on Oct. 16 which coincides with the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company – talk about an exciting day!
Are you looking forward to experiencing Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana?
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.
We have fresh Tiana’s Bayou Adventure construction update ready for you
Disney Imagineers are hard at work revamping the former Splash Mountain into the all-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We have some new-close photos of the construction ready to share with you!
The mural on the exterior of what was the Splash Mountain Barn, now the home to the main office of Tiana’s newest business, is evident along with work all along the queue area. Scaffolding and footers are still present throughout the exterior of the attraction.
Earth is being moved and leveled behind the construction walls that line the guest walkways, and decorative rocks are also present.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is slated to open sometime late next year. The ride will be the first to star Princess Tiana, and will take guests on an all-new adventure through the bayou.
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!
Raglan Road has revealed their 2023 Thanksgiving Holiday Menu
Planning on a Thanksgiving Trip to Walt Disney World, and looking incorporate a classic holiday dinner into your plans? Raglan Road at Disney Springs has you covered! The Irish eatery has a special holiday menu planned that will tantalize your taste buds and bring the entire family together.
The enticing Thanksgiving menu at Raglan Road includes a delectable butter and herb roast turkey, served with roast garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat roastines, honey glaze carrots, bacon braised Bursel sprouts, sausage meat and walnut stuffing, and red wine jus with cranberry sauce. I am getting hungry just writing about this menu!
No visit to Raglan Road is complete without partaking in their live entertainment. And on this special day, the festive fervor will be amped up a notch. Starting at 4:30 pm inside the restaurant and moving out to the patio by 6 pm (weather permitting), guests can enjoy spirited live performances that promise to enhance the holiday ambiance.
If you have particular favorites from Raglan Road’s regular all-day dinner menu, you’re in luck; the restaurant will be offering their standard menu alongside the holiday specials. And for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions, worry not! Vegan and vegetarian options have been thoughtfully incorporated into the menu, ensuring that every guest feels catered to.
In an effort to accommodate every guest and provide a seamless dining experience, Raglan Road has enhanced its service options. Whether you prefer a more traditional seated dinner, a casual meal on the patio, or even if you’re on-the-go and want to grab some takeout, they’ve got you covered. From 11 a.m. when the restaurant opens, until it closes at 10 p.m., you can avail of the Thanksgiving dinner from any of their service areas, including the patio, any of the bars, and even at the bar areas for takeout.
Thanksgiving at Raglan Road in Disney Springs is shaping up to be a memorable experience. With delectable dining options, convenient service, and lively entertainment, it promises to be a feast not just for the stomach, but for the soul. The holiday dinner costs $39.99 per adult and $19.99 per child. Book your spot today and make this Thanksgiving one for the books!
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’s Official Friends: Condiment Pumps Have Finally Returned to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
For the first time in forever, or at least since COVID, guests can get their own condiments at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe-the condiment pumps have finally returned!
The condiment stations were removed due to COVID-related contact precautions. Their absence was likely extended while Disney ramped up cast member hiring, as having the condiment stations requires a cast member to service and fill them.
The condiment pumps have returned, and we recently spotted them in all of their glory. A variety of condiments are available at the stations, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and ranch. You can now get your favorite toppings for your burger or chicken fingers without having to go back up to the counter!
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a fan-favorite quick-service eatery located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. The restaurant serves up a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly options such as Mac & Cheese and Chicken Fingers for Lunch and Dinner. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a show with your dinner-lead by the main man Sunny Eclipse himself!
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!
Lane closures on Walt Disney World property along World Drive are occurring due to repaving activity
Disney is busy improving the roads on property, and that is resulting in some intermittent lane closures on Walt Disney World property, specifically along World Drive.
The signage along World Drives warns of overnight road closures due to the repaving work. We found the section of World Drive heading away from Magic Kingdom to be down to one lane on Saturday morning.
World Drive runs north and south, extending from SR 192 to Magic Kingdom. The road passes by both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT along the way to Magic Kingdom.
If you are planning on traveling around Walt Disney World property soon, be sure to leave extra time to get to your destination as the lane closures can result in delays.
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!
New Ursula Tiki Mug Coming to Trader Sam’s in Disneyland
A new tiki mug is coming to Trader Sam’s at Disneyland! The Ursula Tiki Mug is inspired by the sea witch’s cauldron and is perfect for any Disney fan’s collection.
Ursula’s octopus tentacles wrap around the base of the mug. The color appears to be brown. In a video Disney shared on Instagram, someone places a golden glowing orb in the center of the mug.
“We’ve traveled all the way to the Caspian Sea and back for a mug that will leave you speechless.”
We aren’t sure exactly when the new mug will be available but we can’t wait to see it!
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
The new two-legged droids were seen roaming Black Spire Outpost with cast members close by.
Having more free-roaming droids fits with the original concept of Galaxy’s Edge we were first introduced to in 2015. The land is meant to be full of all kinds of life forms including aliens and droids.
We’re excited to see new droids and characters appearing in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and hope this is just the beginning for new arrivals.
Ready to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I’m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
