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Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas Returning to Universal Hollywood

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Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas Returning to Universal Hollywood

The holiday season is almost here and weโ€™re excited for Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas are returning to Universal Hollywood! Both will return on November 24, 2023, and run daily through Monday, January 1, 2024.

Related – Sneak Peek at Holiday Offerings coming to Disneyland

Experience the enchanting holiday spirit at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during Christmas. Hogsmeade village comes alive with glistening lights, charming garlands, and festive wreaths. Enjoy special a cappella performances by the Frog Choir, explore village shops while sipping on hot Butterbeer, or indulge in festive treats at Three Broomsticks.

As night falls, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” treats you to a mesmerizing light projection show, illuminating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Watch as the iconic castle springs to life, accompanied by enchanting music from the Harry Potter film series.

Commemorate your Christmas visit with exclusive keepsake items like personalized ornaments, cozy sweaters, scarves, and stockings available for purchase in Hogsmeade Village.

Join in the lively ‘Grinchmas’ Who-bilation, now featuring an all-new daytime performance starring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group. These musical sensations from Who-ville will have you grooving to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics.

In Universal Plaza, the iconic 65-foot-tall ‘Grinchmas’ tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights, promises nightly tree lighting ceremonies and a magical snowfall flurry, spreading good tidings and warm season’s greetings.

You can also partake in ‘Grinchmas’ activities like taking photos with the Grinch and his loyal dog Max, joining Cindy-Lou Who for daily story time where she shares ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ and visiting the Who-ville post office to send a cheerful postcard.

A themed craft area offers the chance for joyful holiday decorating, whether you’re making paper ornaments to hang on the Grinchmas tree or taking them home as a holiday keepsake. Plus, indulge in delectable Who-tacular sweet treats like the Grinch Donut and hot cocoa, available for purchase.

Are you ready to plan your holiday visit to Universal Hollywood? Contact me for a free vacation quote! Iโ€™m a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Disney Celebrates National Gumbo Day with Tiana’s Palace Recipe

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Disney Celebrates National Gumbo Day with the recipe from Tiana’s Palace

Happy National Gumbo Day! What better way to commemorate this occasion than by indulging in an authentic gumbo recipe straight from the heart of New Orleans at Tiana’s Palace, located within Disneyland park. The Disneyland Resort culinary team embarked on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of New Orleans alongside Walt Disney Imagineering to ensure that Tiana’s Palace resonated with the city’s genuine spirit. This inspired them to place a significant emphasis on authenticity when crafting the beloved House Gumbo dish.

Today, in honor of National Gumbo Day, we invite you to partake in a delightful surprise from Disney Eats โ€“ an exquisite House Gumbo recipe from Tiana’s Palace, nestled in the heart of New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park.

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Gumbo, renowned for its medley of meat, shellfish, vegetables, and stock, is a beloved staple of New Orleans cuisine. Regardless of how you choose to prepare it, what truly matters is sharing it with loved ones and relishing in its heartwarming flavors.

Disney Chef Toby Hollis and Operations Manager Lindell Skinner, of New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, shed light on gumbo’s significance as a cherished dish at Tiana’s Palace. Chef Toby then takes the stage, demonstrating how you too can embark on a culinary adventure and create this delectable dish.

Related-First Look at Tianaโ€™s Palace Lunch & Dinner Menus

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Lindell Skinner, a proud native of NOLA, shares his deep-rooted connection to Tiana’s Palace. He remarks, “My New Orleans heritage and upbringing played a crucial role in selecting the menu items that would best resonate with our guests.”

The Disneyland Resort culinary team’s visit to New Orleans, alongside Walt Disney Imagineering, was pivotal in ensuring that Tiana’s Palace authentically embodied the spirit of the city. This journey underscored the significance of authenticity and the team’s unwavering commitment to channeling that spirit when crafting the House Gumbo dish.

Related-First Look at the Food & Drinks Coming to Tianaโ€™s Palace in Disneyland

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With 20 years of culinary expertise under his belt, Chef Toby underlines the importance of being deliberate with each ingredient and its contribution to the overall dish. He notes, “Striving for authenticity has taught me how each ingredient influences the final outcome of the dish.”

The House Gumbo recipe from Tianaโ€™s Palace includes chicken thighs, chopped vegetables, and Louisiana-sourced andouille sausage and heirloom white rice. See the full recipe below. 

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Join Disney Chef Toby Hollis as he demonstrates how you too can get in on the action and prepare this delicious dish while he chats with Operations Manager Lindell Skinner about how gumbo is a staple meal at Tianaโ€™s Palace.

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Walt Disney World Disney Classics Christmas Holiday Spirit Jersey Available At Magic Kingdom!

Disney Classics Christmas Holiday Spirit Jersey
Disney Classics Christmas Holiday Spirit Jersey

Walt Disney World Disney Classics Christmas Holiday Spirit Jersey Available At Magic Kingdom!

The new Walt Disney World Disney Classics Christmas Holiday Spirit Jersey is now available at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom, as well as, online at shopDisney for $79.99. A great piece for cozy and magical style this holiday season!

Related – Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

This fun holiday spirit jersey features a bright green color with characters like Peter Pan, Bambi, Thumper, Alice and Cheshire Cat opening presents on the front plus the retro Disney World logo in gold on the top right with Tinker Bell spreading pixie dust over it.

Turn it around and you will find Santa Mickey, Mrs. Santa Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto around the Christmas tree opening presents and enjoying delicious treats, the Walt Disney World logo is also featured across the back in gold sparkly letters with colorful light bulbs all around.

You can take a closer look at this festive spirit jersey in our Instagram post:

Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband
Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband

Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

This Mickey And Minnie Mouse Loungefly Glow In The Dark Holiday Ear Headband is a must have this holiday season! You can get it now at Magic Kingdom, as well as, online at shopDisney for $44.99.

Related – New Disney Classics Christmas Collection Available Now At Magic Kingdom!

It features Christmas wreaths ears with Mickey Mouse on one ear and Minnie in the other in their holiday attire! The ears also feature colorful light bulbs that glow in the dark for an extra fun touch plus a big red bow that contrast perfectly with the green in the rest of the ear headband.

You can take a closer look at this ear headband in our Instagram post:

Disney Journal Kit Available At The Creations Shop In Epcot!

Disney Journal Kit
Disney Journal Kit

Disney Journal Kit Available At The Creations Shop In Epcot!

Write down all your memories on this magical Disney Journal Kit we found at the Creations Shop in Epcot for $29.99! A great way to start journaling and taking some part of your day to relax.

Related – New Epcot Reimagined Dooney And Bourke Collection Spotted At The Creations Shop!

The kit includes:

  • 1 Journal
  • 1 Pen
  • 1 Border stencil with hidden Mickeys
  • 2 Small Mickey Mouse stencils
  • 2 Large Minnie Mouse stencils

We love it! You can take a closer look at this adult journal in our Instagram post:

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Lit Up in Pink to Support PINKTOBER

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Hard Rock Hotel PINKTOBER-2-Guitar-fountain

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Paints It Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness in October

The iconic Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is going all out in its support for breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October with a series of “PINKTOBER” activations.

Related: See the M3GAN Flash Mob Perform at Universal Orlando

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PINKTOBER Highlights

  • The front of the prestigious hotel and its iconic guitar fountain are bathed in a radiant pink glow, symbolizing their dedication to the cause.
  • Select guest rooms have been transformed into pink havens with pink sheets adorning the beds. A commendable gesture, as the hotel pledges to donate a portion of each night’s room rate to charity for every booking of these special rooms during October. Guests are encouraged to request a stay in one of these distinctive pink-sheeted rooms upon their arrival.
  • For the musically inclined, pink co-branded Gibson guitars are available for guests to borrow, strum, and harmonize within the comfort of their rooms.
  • The Rock Shop is proudly showcasing limited-edition PINKTOBER merchandise, and a percentage of the proceeds from these sales will be channeled towards charitable causes.
  • Guests can savor specially crafted pink drinks at the Beach Club, The Kitchen, and Velvet Bar, with a fraction of the cost being donated to charity, amplifying their commitment to the cause.

Hard Rock International and the Seminole Tribe of Florida have collaborated with the American Cancer Society to commemorate tribal member Nancy Frank’s incredible 20th anniversary of breast cancer survival. A special, limited-edition pin, designed by tribe member and Native American artist Victoria Billie Osceola, is now available. The heartwarming part is that 100% of the proceeds from this commemorative pin, available throughout October and Indigenous People’s Month in November, will be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Related: Lineup Announced for Universal Orlando Resortโ€™s Rock the Universe 2024

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Hard Rock International offers exclusive limited-edition merchandise, including a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt, hat, water bottle, and tote bag. These items not only serve as tokens of support for breast cancer awareness and research but also contribute to the cause. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a share of the proceeds will go to charities dedicated to raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

For those interested in supporting this heartfelt cause, the PINKTOBER commemorative pin and 2023 retail collection are now available in stores and online at Rock Shops.

About Hard Rock Heals Foundation

The Hard Rock Heals Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization that oversees all philanthropic outreach for Hard Rock International. Their belief in the power of music to stir emotions, inspire, connect, and restore is at the core of their mission. Since its inception in 1971, Hard Rock International has united people worldwide through the power of music and has collaborated with artists from emerging talents to iconic figures in support of charitable efforts globally. The Hard Rock Heals Foundation extends grants and assistance to individuals with the common goal of healing through the power of music. Their partnerships with like-minded, music-centric organizations serve as a conduit to improve lives and promote wellness.


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 specializing 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 Universal vacation package through me!

First Homebuilders Announced for Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney

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First Homebuilders announced for Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community

Disney’s Cotinoย community will welcome homeowners of all ages, offering single-family residences. Some residences will be located on home sites specifically designated for those 55+. And, in the future, condominiums will be available within the community.

Disney magic will touch many aspects of this thriving home environment and be on full display withย the Cotinoย communityโ€™s: Stunning home collections, designed and built by builders who are known for their quality homes and excellence in developing communities. Parks, pathways, and a promenadeย that will reflect the imagination of Disney Imagineering Designated home sites that will be a haven for adults 55+ will surround its namesake, Longtable Park โ€“ an exclusive park for its residents.

Related – Disney Unveils More Details for Cotino a Storyliving by Disney Housing Community

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The enchantment of Disney will permeate many facets of this thriving residential environment, prominently on display within the Cotino community, which boasts:

Exceptional Home Collections: The community features a range of stunning home collections, designed and constructed by reputable builders renowned for their quality homes and excellence in community development.

Picturesque Parks and Pathways: Parks, meandering pathways, and a charming promenade are designed to reflect the creative ingenuity of Disney Imagineering, ensuring that the entire community exudes a touch of Disney magic.

Longtable Park for 55+: Surrounded by designated home sites, Longtable Park stands as an exclusive haven for residents aged 55 and above. The park’s centerpiece is a grand, elongated table inspired by Walt Disney’s cherished vision of communal breakfast gatherings that bring people together.

Related – New Concept Art and Details Revealed for Cotino a Storyliving by Disney Community

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Some of the park’s key features include:

  • Lush desert landscaping
  • A grove of palo verde and olive trees encompassing the area
  • Shaded seating areas for relaxation
  • Bocce ball courts for recreational enjoyment
  • Barbecue grills for outdoor cooking and social gathering

Disney Imagineers will play a pivotal role in shaping the magic of Storyliving by Disney communities, ensuring that each community embodies the essence of a dream living destination. With captivating architecture, an array of amenities, and a diverse range of activities, these communities are envisioned to be havens where residents can truly live their dreams.

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The focal point will be a large, long table inspired by Walt Disneyโ€™s love of community breakfast to bring people together. Park features will include: Beautiful desert landscaping A surrounding grove of palo verde and olive trees Shaded seating areas Bocce ball courts Barbeque grills Disney Imagineers will be the visionaries behind the magic ofย Storyliving by Disneyโ„ขย communitiesโ€”and will help make each one the kind of beautiful haven where people dream of living, with delightful architecture, amenities and activities.

The Cotino community lifestyle will thrive in an abundance of wonderful places where you can enjoy yourself, such as promenades and parksโ€”some with spectacular views of the water and mountains. With Artisan Club membership, you will be able to access special venues for activities and entertainment, such as a members-only clubhouse, and a refreshing area at Cotinoโ„ข Bay and the beach.

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Cotino Bay will be the jewel of the Cotino community and will feature the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoonsยฎ technology. It will be enhanced by a promenade with striking views of the oasis and the mountains beyond, while the beach with its inviting white sands offers a variety of activities.

Festive Fall Bites and Cocktails You Don’t Want to Miss at Disney Springs

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Don’t Miss out on these Spooky Season Specials at Disney Springs

The Fall season has arrived here in Central Florida, and Jaleo Disney Springs, Maria and Enzoโ€™s at Disney Springs, and The Edison at Disney Springs are celebrating with some limited-time menu items. Read on to learn more about the delectable eats and amazing sips being served up at these three amazing restaurants!

Related: The Cocktail Archives: A Historic Perspective of Mixology Coming to The Edison in October

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Jaleo Disney Springs

Embrace the autumn spirit at Jaleo Disney Springs with their signature mocktail, the Apple & Saffron, available all season long. This cocktail combines Seedlip Garden, apple juice, lemon, saffron, and Fever-Tree Club Soda. Guests can also dive into a range of delectable new menu items inspired by the flavors of the season. Try the Mero con Calabaza, featuring Florida Atlantic Red Grouper with butternut squash puree, fennel, and pumpkin seeds, or the Atun crudo con piparras, a thinly sliced tuna with Piparra dressing and fresh lemon. And, of course, various Spanish-style tapas and signature paellas are available for your enjoyment.

Maria and Enzoโ€™s at Disney Springs 

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The landmark Disney Springs Italian Eatery is getting into the Spooky Season spirit with a Poe-Inspired Culinary Adventure. After 4 pm, indulge in a selection of signature cocktails and mocktails that pay homage to the famous American mystery and horror writer:

  • Red Death – $22: Espolon, combier, lime juice, sour mix, hibiscus syrup, garnished with a masquerade mask.
  • Tell-Tale Martini – $22: Vanilla vodka, Chambord, pama, lemon juice, grape simple, and a candy eye.
  • Ravenโ€™s Glare – $22: A lemon cookie margarita featuring Espolon, combier, lemon juice, sour mix, cookie syrup, and garnished for the season.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try all three dark and dreamy Halloween creations with the Cask of Halloween Spirits flight for $31, which includes:

  • Fall of the House of the Apples – $22: A pear and apple brandy cocktail with St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, absolut pear, apple juice, ginger ale, and an apple gummy garnish.
  • Black Bird Brew – $17: A fruity and festive mocktail with sour apple, grape, sprite, a glow cube, and Halloween garnish.

The Edison at Disney Springs

Step back into the opulent era of the 1920s at The Edison and experience their unique Halloween cocktail, “The Blood Donor,” throughout October. This chilling libation is served in a blood bag and combines Aperol, Solerno, Espolรฒn Silver, lime juice, and simple syrup to create a vivid crimson concoction that’s both eerie and utterly delicious.

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Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

Morimoto Asia the delectable Asian Fusion etery, is serving up the Toyko Ghoul cocktail. This drink, which costs $18, features made with Hendrick’s Gin, midori, cointreau, yuzu, lemon, monin agave and ginger bitters.

I have tried several items on this list, and every item I tried was more amazing than the last! Don’t miss out, head over to Disney Springs to try these menu items before they vanish!


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 Shares First Look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Mural

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Disney-Shares-First-Look-at-Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Mural

Disney Shares First Look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Mural

As Disney progresses with the development of Tianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland, a sneak peek has been unveiled, showcasing a new mural crafted by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite. Known for her work displayed in the halls of the Baton Rouge Gallery, which delves into the cultural heritage of African Americans, Malaika brings her artistic touch to this upcoming attraction.

Related – Walt Disney Imagineering Share Behind the Scenes Photos of Progress at Tianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure

Continuing the narrative from the animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” Malaika’s mural for Tianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure presents a captivating collage of scenes adorning two exterior walls of the building’s entrance within the indoor queue. These scenes vividly capture Tianaโ€™s transformative journey and the inception of Tianaโ€™s Foods.

Related – New Mural Painted on Tianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure Barn at Magic Kingdom

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This masterpiece by artist Malaika Favorite will decorate the walls as part of the queue ofย Tianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure, an attraction inspired by the animated film, โ€œThe Princess and the Frog,โ€ opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort next year.

Second Night of Jollywood Nights Sold Out at Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios

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Another night of Jollywood Nights has Sold Out

If you are planning on attending the new Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios but have not yet bought your tickets, you may want to consider grabbing them ASAP: a second evening of the new after-hours holiday party has sold out!

Related: New Details Revealed for Holiday Fiesta En La Calle at New Disney Jollywood Nights

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Here is the updated list of Jollywood Nights availability and pricing:

  • Saturday, November 11 – SOLD OUT
  • Saturday, November 18 -SOLD OUT
  • Monday, November 20
  • Monday, November 27
  • Wednesday, November 29
  • Monday, December 4
  • Wednesday, December 6
  • Saturday, December 16
  • Monday, December 18
  • Wednesday, December 20

Jollywood Nights runs from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM each evening. Event tickets are $159 to $179 per ticket, plus tax (prices vary by event date), with a $10 discount available on select nights for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

Related: First Night of Jollywood Nights Now Officially Sold Out

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Ticket holders can enter Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios as early as 7:00 PM on the valid date of their ticket. These date-specific event tickets do not require an additional day theme park ticket or theme park reservation.

Have you purchased your tickets yet for Jollywood Nights? Leave us a comment to let us know what aspect of the party you are most excited about!


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 Menu Items Debut at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

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Sci-Fi-Dine-In-Theater-new-menu-3

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater has added new menu items

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, the 50s-style r drive-in “theater at Hollywood Studios, is known for serving up delicious eats and cool treats, enjoyed inside a Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater will now have some new menu items to choose from!

Related: Disney World Raises Prices on Most Food & Beverages

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The following new menu items have been added at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater:

  • Bรกnh Mรฌ Burger: Grilled house-made pork patty topped with roasted pork belly, pickled vegetables, cucumber, herbs, and a sriracha aรฏoli
  • Feature Film Burger: Signature beef blend with house-made seasoning on a brioche bun with shaved pastrami, lettuce, heirloom tomato, and a Carolina-mustard sauce
  • Sci-Fi Impossible Nachos: Fried tortilla chips topped with plant-based black bean chili, avocado cream, pico de gallo, and cilantro
  • Pesto Penne Pasta: Pasta tossed in house-made pesto sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, rainbow cherry tomatoes, grilled artichoke hearts, onions, and spinach (Plant-based)

Related: New Strawberry White Chocolate Mousse Tart in Norway Pavilion

About Sci-Fi Dine-In

Buckle up for a dining experience like no other at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Nestled within a Hollywood-style soundstage, this unique establishment offers a fusion of delectable cuisine and heart-pounding sci-fi thrills. As you pull into your car-shaped booth or table, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, complete with kitschy vintage decor and the soft glow of tail lights from fellow diners.

The main attraction? A continuous reel of sci-fi scenes featuring attacking aliens, marauding mummies, rampaging robots, and more โ€“ all while you indulge in a sumptuous meal. Remember, no screaming with your mouth full! For those yearning for nostalgia, there are road-ready picnic tables reminiscent of a classic drive-in theater at the back of the venue, complete with an old-fashioned concession stand.

New Menu Items Debut at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

21 or over? Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater provides a stellar lineup of adult beverages. Sip on Long Island Lunar Tea, savor a Habanero Lime Martian Margarita or indulge in Orbiting Oreos. The drinks even come with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes for an otherworldly touch! If you prefer something more down-to-earth, choose from an array of wines and beers, both on draft and bottled.

Have you had a chance to check out any of these new menu items? If so any among your favorites? Leave us a comment and 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!

SAG-AFTRA Suspend Negotiations

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SAG-AFTRA Suspend Negotiations

Talks between SAG-AFTRA and major studios have collapsed due to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ statement on Wednesday, citing an insurmountable divide between the parties.

In a late-night communication to its members, the union accused the studios of employing aggressive tactics and stated that the studios had abandoned negotiations by declining to respond to the union’s latest proposal.

The union expressed profound dismay at this recent turn of events and encouraged its members to stand in solidarity by joining picket lines.

The primary obstacle revolves around a union proposition to share in streaming revenues, which the AMPTP claims would amount to $800 million annually. SAG-AFTRA contended that this figure was overstated by 60% and maintained that its proposal would cost streaming platforms just 57 cents per subscriber each year.

SAG-AFTRA also seeks a portion of streaming earnings for all union-protected content, spanning productions created exclusively for streaming platforms, as well as movies and television series licensed from other sources. This initiative goes beyond the achievement-oriented bonus secured by the Writers Guild of America.

Related: Writers Guild Strike Officially Ends

โ€œWe have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began,โ€ SAG-AFTRA told its membership. โ€œThese companies refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI, they refuse to increase your wages to keep up with inflation, and they refuse to share a tiny portion of the immense revenue YOUR work generates for them.โ€

โ€œThe companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA โ€“ putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators,โ€ the union said. โ€œBut, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.โ€

To keep pace with inflation, SAG-AFTRA is also seeking an 11% increase in minimum rates. The AMPTP is offering the same deal it gave the Writers Guild, a 5% increase, followed by increases of 4% and 3.5%.

Related: Disney Ceo Bob Iger is Committed to Ending SAG-AFTRA & WGA Strikes

SAG-AFTRA talks break down

As unions like SAG-AFTRA strive to secure fair compensation for their members in the digital age, and with streaming platforms becoming increasingly dominant, these negotiations are emblematic of the challenges faced in achieving a balanced and equitable industry for all stakeholders.

The implications of these talks extend beyond the negotiation table, shaping the future of how content creators are compensated and how entertainment is distributed in an ever-changing media landscape. The outcomes of these discussions will continue to shape the industry’s trajectory in the years to come. It seems like the two sides remain far apart, meaning that work will not resume in Hollywood for quite some time.