Just in time for the start of the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” on Oct. 1st, Walt Disney World will be rolling out a new early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels, giving them the first chance to enjoy select attractions at EVERY theme park, EVERY day. These guests will also be among the first each day to see the dazzling decorations and EARidescent excitement. Guests will need a valid ticket or pass and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same date for early theme park entry.
In addition, with the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, guests staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Disney Resort hotels will also be able to enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks. Extended evening hours will begin in early October with specific dates and parks to be shared at a later time. For both of these options, select attractions, merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available. Be sure to also bring your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card linked to their stay, or another form of Resort ID. Back at your Disney Resort hotel, enjoy even more magic! During the celebration, be on the lookout for surprise appearances by some favorite Disney pals like Goofy and Pluto, who will be dressed in their EARidescent best and dropping by to visit with guests across Disney Resort hotels! These new offerings will join a number of other great services available for Disney Resort hotel guests such as complimentary on-site transportation and the direct-to-room service available in the My Disney Experience app. Speaking of Disney Resort hotel stays, we know many of you are also wondering when Disney dining plan packages will return. Disney has not yet shared an update on timing, we are planning to bring this guest-favorite option back at a later date. We will also continue to reopen more Resort offerings, including restaurants like ‘Ohana (with the noodles!) To book a stay at any of the resorts in the Disney Resort Collection or to be among the first to get information about the dining plan return, contact me! Rooms are booking at an unprecedented rate! 
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Grab the tissues, because fireworks are BACK at Disney Parks this summer!  What could be more perfect this year than a summertime visit to a Disney theme park? A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect “kiss goodnight” at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more. Beginning in July, just in time for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Disney parks! At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, July 1 marks the start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. “Happily Ever After” will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics. On the same date, “EPCOT Forever” will shine at EPCOT with a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon. Beginning July 4th, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will be presented nightly all summer long at Disneyland Park in California. State-of-the-art projections, show lighting and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a dazzling, family fun dance party that goes sky high with fireworks to celebrate the leader of the club, Mickey Mouse. To book a stay at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, contact me as soon as possible! Disney has released a first look at the re-imagined rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort. As Walt Disney World prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this October, Imagineering is tapping into that optimistic spirit once again in reimagining Disney’s Contemporary Resort, enhancing its retro-modern aesthetic that evokes Tomorrowland … with a dash of something Incredible, too. Currently all nine floors of guest rooms in the tower are being completely refurbished. Rooms will blend a sleek Monorail motif with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films. As part of this reimagining, Disney is also updating the Guest lobby and check-in experience. Beginning July 16th, much of the first-floor lobby will be closed while it undergoes refurbishment. Once complete in late September, Contemporary’s lobby will feature an enhanced check-in experience with enhanced seating locations. Once the tower Guest rooms are complete, work will begin on the rooms inside the Garden Wing. For booking information or details about the refurbishment, contact me.
If you know me, you know I'm a huge runDisney fan. (My first ever marathon was Dopey in 2016!!) Today, Disney has announced the return of in-person races! Details are below, and feel free to ask me about my runDisney experiences!
The 2021-2022 runDisney season will include four events:
There will also be some amazing NEW opportunities for runners.
Food news is the best news! Disney has announced that some fan-favorites are finally returning! Plus, some new offerings from a few of our favorites! For more details about any of these, including my professional recommendations, contact me. Citrico's Guests can now dine “underneath the lovely London sky” in the newly reimagined Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Taking subtle cues from Mary Poppins Returns, the dining room brings you into a garden setting where you can “trip a little light fantastic”. Chef Andres Mendoza crafted a new menu with starters like Sweet Corn Bisque and Strawberry Salad. Entrées include Butter-poached Florida Cobia or Guava Barbequed Short Ribs. Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer created such decadent desserts as Warm Apple Rose and the Chocolate Torte. The wine and cocktail program, designed by Sommelier Israel Perez, is exceptional. For those who enjoy an elevated food and wine experience, the new and exclusive Sommelier Room at Cítricos will allow Israel and his team to source boutique wines that pair with special creations from Chef Andres. Cítricos will open on July 15, with bookings available on July 1.  Trail's End Yee-haw! Trail’s End Restaurant at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will reopen July 17th! Guests can start their morning with an oven-fresh pastry basket and berry granola yogurt parfait for the table, followed by a family-style skillet with smoked brisket and eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheesy potato casserole and - of course - Mickey Waffles! Adults can sip on Moonshine Morning Cocktails – a Pioneer Mimosa with passion, orange, and guava juices and a Mountain Mary with moonshine. Dinner starts with hushpuppies and skillet cornbread with a chopped garden salad for the table. The family-style Smokehouse Skillet comes with pecan-smoked brisket, rotisserie chicken, andouille sausage, fingerlings potatoes, green beans, and buttered corn on the cob. Pork spare ribs, peel n’ eat shrimp, and cornbread-crusted salmon are available as add-ons. The Covered Wagon Sundae is a wagon load of ice cream, toppings, brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered bacon! Adults can also enjoy Moonshine Cocktails. Casey's Corner The fan-favorite Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. has reopened! Catch hold of a Chili-Cheese All-Beef Hot Dog or dig into a pile of Corn Dog Nuggets with, of course, cheese sauce. The plant-based Loaded Slaw Dog is also back! The Frozen Mint Julep Lemonade is a refreshing homerun. Plaza Ice Cream Treat yourself at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, also on Main Street, U.S.A., will open July 7. Fat-free and no sugar added, as well as plant-based non-dairy options will be available.  Eight Spoon Cafe One of my personal favorites, Eight Spoons Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is now open and offers their heavenly Baked Macaroni & Cheese (with or without pulled pork). The exciting news – the Pulled Pork Jelly Donut Sandwich is back! YUM! Dino Delights Dino Diner will reopen July 4, so grab a Dino-Rama Chili-Cheese Dog or a Corn Chip Pie just in time for Independence Day. You can even get your churro fix!  Salt & Straw Salt & Straw, the popular scoop shop at Disneyland's Downtown Disney, is heading to Disney Springs next year! We will have more details over the next few months, so be sure to check back for the whole “scoop!”  A new offering – Disney Family Night Dinner – is now available! This family-style dining bundle includes a take-out shareable meal, sweet treats, and an original card-type game inspired by some favorite Disney friends. Disney Family Night Dinner serves 3-4 and is available from 5-10 p.m. through mobile order at Caribbean Beach and Grand Floridian. Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:
Want to know the best things to bring with you to the parks in the summer? I'm breaking down what you really need to pack for a successful park day! For your convenience, I've also linked each of these at the bottom of this post! (I got all of them from Amazon!)
I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 
Park Shoes
My ride-or-die park sandals are these FUNKYMONKEY slides! These slides are lightweight, adjustable, quick-drying, and under $20! These are heavenly to walk on, don't cause blisters, and are completely on-trend right now. Portable Charger Your phone is working overtime in the parks. Not only is it used for calling and texting, but you'll also use it for photos, mobile food ordering, checking wait times, and more. I've personally gotten multiple iPhone charges per day from a charger just like this one. (Plus, I'm a sucker for the rose gold finish on mine!) Neck Fan Gone are the days of carrying those clunky fans! You'll fall in love with portable neck fans, like this one. You can get hours of cooling power with these, keep your hands free, and never have to worry about hair getting tangled! (It's bladeless!) Simply charge in a USB port overnight for a full park day of cooling comfort. Travel-Size Sunscreen Whether you choose lotions, sprays, or sticks, do not travel without sunscreen. I recommend reapplying at least 2-3 times per day. (Don't end up like me!) I like to keep a travel size in my park bag to save space. I also have an entire post dedicated to what to pack in your park bag, don't miss it! For more tips about what to pack for the entire family, contact me to become one of my concierge clients! In the beginning phase of planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Schedule a free vacation planning consultation to get our professional recommendations and complimentary quotes.
Beginning Oct. 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honors the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, and, wow, are there some great new details about this incredible 18-month event! Resorts are booking up quickly, contact me as soon as possible to get your stay booked!
Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom, debuting Oct. 1st
A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza will take Guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
HarmoniUS at EPCOT, debuting Oct. 1st
Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. “Harmonious” will invite Guests to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.
Disney KiteTails at Animal Kingdom, debuting Oct. 1st
There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out this artist rendering of “Disney KiteTails,” which will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning Oct. 1. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.
EARidescent Fashions
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be the hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary. As you can see in the photo above, their best pals want to get in on the shimmer, too, as Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks beginning Oct. 1. Guests will get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”
New Golden Character Sculptures
These eight friends will also be featured in special golden character sculptures debuting Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom; in this artist rendering, you can see Mickey and Minnie shining in the sunlight near Cinderella Castle. There will be 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks. We’ll soon reveal more of the “Disney Fab 50” as excitement builds for the big day, as well as the surprising ways Guests will be able to interact with these beautiful sculptures as part of the 50th anniversary celebration.
"Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century" available Sept. 28th
This fall, bring home “Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century,” a beautiful new coffee table book from Disney Editions. You can see the cover art above for this insider’s look at the history and evolution of Walt Disney World, written by Kevin Kern, Tim O’Day and Steven Vagnini. A link for that book can be found above or here from Amazon.
“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will also see the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, icons at each of the four parks transforming into Beacons of Magic at night, EARidescent décor all across the resort, plus much more. Walt Disney World cast members – who will be wearing new EARidescent nametags designed especially for this occasion – are looking forward to sharing all this magic with Guests, as they are the heart of this momentous event. You won't want to miss this celebration! Contact me for more details!  Today is #PrimeDay! Below are links to some great deals on travel products that I HIGHLY recommend! These are all products that I either personally use or that my clients swear by. Happy Shopping!
The BEST Park Sandals (I love mine!): https://amzn.to/3iUypQZ My EXACT Rose Gold Charger - LIGHTNING DEAL: https://amzn.to/3gWnKCC Phone Charger: https://amzn.to/3gQIwnd Adidas Fanny Pack (My favorite at Universal!): https://amzn.to/3cY6MTs 6 Ft. iPhone Cords (Perfect for hotel rooms!): https://amzn.to/3gT67DV Personal Fan: https://amzn.to/3xzTQuL Water Bottle Carrying Strap: https://amzn.to/35Dvrsl Stroller Fan: https://amzn.to/3xF4RuQ Packing Cubes (7 piece set): https://amzn.to/3zEicW9 Luggage ($180 off this 3 piece set!): https://amzn.to/3iYFsIn Vera Bradley Zip ID Wallet (Perfect for switching between park bags): https://amzn.to/3zJXfZM Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer: https://amzn.to/3wSiUgG Mickie & Minnie Carry On (Currently 50% off!): https://amzn.to/3vSkiOS Beginning June 15th, guests will notice some major changes at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland! Plus, Boo Bash tickets will become available to the general public and Laniwai Spa will reopen at Aulani! Read more for all of the major things happening on this major Disney date! Just remember, while park reservation availability is opening up, resort hotel rooms are booking up at a record speed. For booking information or for further information about any of this information, contact me as soon as possible! Disneyland Reopening for All Guests As I had previously shared, Disneyland Resort will begin welcome out-of-state Guests beginning June 15. At this time they will also discontinue on-site temperature checks. The state of California has removed the physical distancing requirements, so guests can determine self-distancing. Disneyland Resort Face Covering Update Starting June 15, face coverings will no longer be required for fully vaccinated guests both indoors and outdoors. Guests ages 2+ who are not fully vaccinated must continue wearing face coverings indoors, except when dining. Guests will not be required to show proof of vaccination, but vaccinated Guests will self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry. All Guests will need to attest that they are aware of the State of California’s strong recommendation that guests be fully vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the theme parks when making their Disneyland Resort theme park reservations. When the Toy Story parking lot reopens on June 18, all Guests ages 2+, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear an appropriate face covering while on the bus transportation from the lot to the parks. Walt Disney World Face Covering Update As I previously shared, beginning June 15, face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated guests in most areas. Face coverings will still be required of all guests on Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner. While they will not require proof of vaccination, guests who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation. Physical distancing guidelines will also be reduced. Some experiences and entertainment may still be operating with limited capacity or may remain temporarily unavailable. Disney will continue the high standards for cleanliness and sanitation we’ve always set for ourselves. Cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer stations will still be available. They do encourage people to get vaccinated. Boo Bash Tickets On Sale to Public Boo Bash will be taking place this fall at Magic Kingdom Park! This after hours event has already opened for booking for on-site guests staying at select resorts, but will open to the public June 15th! Tickets start at $129 - $139 plus tax for August/September nights and $159 - $169 plus tax for October nights. Halloween night has already sold out. Here are the dates for “Disney After Hours Boo Bash”:
Laniwai, a Disney Spa Reopening at Aulani Beginning June 15, you can reserve spa services, including newly added options, at Laniwai, a Disney Spa! A visit to the Kula Wai, an outdoor hydrotherapy garden can be reserved with any spa service. This garden retreat includes private vitality pools, a reflexology path, six rain-style showers, whirlpool jet spas and more. Laniwai’s full-service salon will be available for manicures, pedicures and hair services. The kids – or keiki – can also get ready with salon services and makeovers exclusive to children ages 3 to 12. If you enjoy a good workout before or after pampering, visit the Mikimiki fitness center which will also reopen for limited hours for all Aulani Guests, and has added new equipment to the state-of-the-art fitness facility. Please see the Aulani Resort website for the most up-to-date information on the resort’s health and safety measures. MAJOR update to the face covering policy at Walt Disney World! Beginning June 15th, face coverings will no longer be required for vaccinated travelers EXCEPT while using Walt Disney World transportation.  The full statement can be found here:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/ Read an excerpt of that statement below! “Beginning June 15, you will start to notice the following changes: Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in most areas. Face coverings will still be required of all Guests on Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner. While we will not require proof of vaccination, we expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation. Guests must observe current policies on face coverings until June 15. We will be relaxing physical distancing guidelines for Guests. This will be visible in places like queues, shops, restaurants, attraction boarding, transportation and our theaters. It’s important to remember that some experiences and entertainment may still be operating with limited capacity or may remain temporarily unavailable. We’re not quite ready to bring back everything yet, but we are optimistic and look forward to the day when Disney pals and princesses are able to hug once again. We will continue the high standards for cleanliness and sanitation we’ve always set for ourselves. Cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer stations will still be available. We encourage people to get vaccinated.” Contact me for more information! |
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