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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date

Disney has announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening on June 28, 2024 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California!

Join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on their journey through a shimmering bayou as they prepare for a spirited celebration during Mardi Gras season. Along the way, you’ll see familiar faces and make new friends as you’re brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s inspiring story.

This ride will use a virtual queue when it first opens. Guests can request to join the virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. While a standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days, we expect to open a standby queue soon after the attraction’s opening. It will also be included as a Lightning Lane option in the Disney Genie+ service.

Preview opportunities ahead of the official grand opening are available for Florida-based Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and eligible Disney Vacation Club members on select days in June. Park reservation and Virtual Queue passes are needed.

Beginning opening day, Golden Oak Outpost and The Friar’s Nook will be serving up light, sweet and fluffy beignets drizzled with honey and powdered sugar. These will be available for a limited time only so let the good times roll. Of course, there will also be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and “The Princess and the Frog”-inspired merchandise.

This new ride is a re-theme of the previous Splash Mountain ride. Favorite components of that ride will be returning such as the 50 foot drop, the ride photo, and the chance to get wet. The new theming and animatronics look amazing! Are you excited?

If you are planning a trip this summer, take note how this could effect you. Magic Kingdom will be very crowded near the opening date. If you have a ticket type that still requires making park reservations, check before you buy and make those reservations asap since the reservations for Magic Kingdom may fill up fast, especially for opening day. If you want to ride this, read up on how best to get a Virtual Queue pass or buy Genie+ and plan to do it as you can’t just walk up to line up..

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about planning a Disney trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

©Disney

Disney Treasure Castaway Club Gifts

Disney Treasure: A Sneak Peek at Inaugural Season Castaway Club Gifts

Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s frequent sailor program. After you complete your first sailing, you will automatically be a part of the Silver Castaway Club. As you sail more often, you will become a member of Gold (5+), Platinum (10+), and Pearl (25+).

The corresponding gifts will be placed in your stateroom during each sailing that you’re a member as a thank you for sailing Disney Cruise Line. Other Disney Cruise Line ships will have different gifts. These are specific to the inaugural season of the Disney Treasure. Each state room gets one set of gifts to share based on the level of the occupant in the state room with the highest level.

Silver
Castaway Club members at the silver level will receive an adventuring sea bag/backpack.

Gold
Castaway Club members at the gold level will receive the sea bag and a wet dry bag.

Platinum
Castaway Club members at the platinum level will receive the sea bag, wet dry bag, and a beach towel with game pucks.

Pearl
Pearl tier will receive a travel accessory bag to go along with all the other treasures including the sea bag, wet dry bag, and a beach towel with game pucks from the previous levels.

The Disney Treasure is scheduled to set sail this December 2024. Visit my initial Disney Treasure post to see everything that has been revealed so far about the ship. I’m sure even more details will be released soon. Very exciting! Stay tuned!

Email me if you would like me to help you book your next cruise.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

©Disney Cruise Line

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2024

The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning this Fall to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World! The evening extra-ticketed event will take place on select nights from Aug 9 – Oct 31, 2024 with unique entertainment, festive treats, and more. Party festivities begin at 7pm but you may enter the park after 4pm with the party ticket.

The dates for 2024 are:

August 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31

Partake in all of this spooktacular fun:

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular! – three sinister sisters bewitch and bedazzle the residents of Magic Kingdom Park in this fun stage show.
Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular – a wickedly wild fireworks display featuring some of your favorite Disney characters, hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade – a fun parade unique to the party. Must see! This year, the fan-favorite parade will take place a full hour earlier, at 8:15pm, for those with early bedtimes.
DescenDANCE Party – a new dance party inspired by the upcoming Disney Original Movie “Descendants: The Rise of Red.”
Character Meets – For the first time during the party, guests can meet Bruno, the clairvoyant character from “Encanto”, along with other iconic villains and Disney favorites, including Mickey & Minnie in brand new Halloween outfits!
Trick-or-Treat – collect candy as you roam trails around the park in search of some of your favorite sweets.
More treats – eat more Halloween-inspired food and beverages
Dress in costume – revel in the festive atmosphere around the park with fellow party-goers and Disney favorites in their Halloween finest.
Photo Ops – commemorate the night with themed backdrops and magic shots.
Shopping – of course, there will be themed party merch!

Ticket sales for this party start tomorrow, May 8, 2024, for Disney resort guests at select resorts and on May 15, 2024 for everyone else. Prices range from $119-$199, depending on day. Annual passholders and DVC members get $10 savings per ticket. This is a very popular event, and tickets for the first and last day, especially, will sell out fast.

Those of you who want a little extra indulgence can add Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party to your night. Enjoy specialty treats and reserved fireworks viewing from Plaza Garden or Tomorrowland Terrace. Reservations for this experience open on June 7th.

Contact me if you want help booking these tickets or your Disney trip in general.

©Disney

Universal Epic Universe – Super Nintendo World

Universal Epic Universe introduced details of another exciting world in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort!

In Super Nintendo World, steer through iconic Mario Kart™ courses, ride a mine cart through Donkey Kong Country™, and punch ? Blocks and collect digital coins as you explore.

Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge – In this interactive ride, you’ll collect digital coins and throw shells to try to defeat Team Bowser and win the Golden Cup as you steer through iconic courses alongside Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. With multiple outcomes, it’s a different experience each time you ride.

Mine-Cart Madness™ – In this thrilling family coaster, you’ll help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana as you enter the majestic Golden Temple, board your mine cart and speed through the mine. You’ll appear to jump across gaps in the track and perform other eye-popping feats from the Donkey Kong Country™ video games.

Yoshi’s Adventure™ – In this enchanting, family-friendly attraction, ride with Yoshis and search for the glowing eggs as you weave through iconic Mushroom Kingdom landscapes, encountering many familiar characters and spotting hidden colored eggs along your journey.

Toadstool Cafe™ – As you enjoy delicious entrees and delectable desserts, you can watch Chef Toad cook up some of his favorite recipes and see playful scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows.

Meet some of your favorite characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. Wear your Power-Up Band™ and you may even get an enhanced experience with select characters.

Boost your experience at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ by purchasing a Power-Up Band™! You can join your team by selecting between eight different character designs: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong. Then, as you explore and play while wearing your band, you’ll collect digital coins and digital stamps. This world is filled with interactive activities for you to explore, discover, and play together with your family and friends.

Test your quickness, skill, and timing in a variety of interactive Key Challenges you’ll find as you explore SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. Knock a Goomba off his feet in Goomba Crazy Crank. Silence an array of ringing alarm clocks in Piranha Plant Nap Mishap. Launch a Koopa Shell up a pipe at just the right moment in Koopa Troopa POWer Punch. Assemble key fragments before it all goes “boom” in the Bob-omb Kaboom Room. And quickly flip tiles so they’re all the same color in Thwomp Panel Panic. If you’re wearing your Power-Up Band™, you’ll collect a digital key with each activity you win. Collect enough keys and unlock the boss battle, Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.

Nintendo World Power-Up Band interactive activities

Your band also can be used to track your progress on Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. Pair your band with the Official Universal Orlando Resort App* (app download not required for attraction gameplay) to track your scores, follow other users, and see your digital rewards.

*Free download. Check with your mobile network provider for any charges, terms, conditions, and additional details.

Are you excited for this new world?

The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with the other worlds that make up the park. More details will be revealed about each in the coming months. Stay tuned!

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.

In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.

Visit my post to see the details revealed already about Dark Universe.

At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. Take part in wild boat battles, feast like a Viking, and more.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about How to Train Your Dragon.

Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Celestial Park.

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Universal Summer Opening Dates Announced

Universal Studios Florida just announced the opening date for two new attractions and a whole new land! Drumroll…. June 14, 2024! Plan your visit now!

DreamWorks Land

Hop onto the caterpillar Caterbus on the Trolls Trollercoaster family-friendly coaster.

Talk to Po on a digital animated screen, and he’ll train you in the ways of kung fu and cook some delicious snacks.

Meet Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey outside Shrek’s cottage and splash in his swamp.

Hogwarts™ Always

Delight in the nighttime extravaganza, Hogwarts™ Always, an incredible new projection show. Enjoy a journey through iconic moments of a year at the beloved school of witchcraft and wizardry, all set against the majestic background of Hogwarts™ castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade™, on select nights.

Cinematic Splendor

This new lagoon show will feature water fountains, projections, and drones. Movie music comes alive in a cinematic journey with stirring soundtracks evoking the mystery and magic of Harry Potter™, the pulse-pounding thrills of Jurassic World, and the gripping suspense of Jaws, on select nights.

Bonus opening: July 3, 2024

Universal Mega Movie Parade

High-energy excitement as your favorite characters leap off the screen onto the streets for a daytime parade. Feel the roar of the T. rex, enjoy the adventure of E.T., embrace your true colors with Trolls, and more, on select days.

Are you excited about Universal Studios’ new offerings? Contact me if you want me to help you plan your next Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

2024 Disneyland Pixar Fest

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Park in California starts tomorrow, April 26, 2024, and will go through August 4, 2024.

Celebrate friendship and beyond with exciting entertainment, Pixar pals, and more. There will be a new daytime parade, an exciting nighttime spectacular, fun Pixar character encounters, and delicious Pixar-inspired foods at festival marketplaces.

The “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” daytime parade will have dynamic, colorful floats and more than 2 dozen favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios films.

The “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks show will feature immersive projections, colorful lasers and memorable music on select nights.

Club Pixar and the Pixar Pals Playtime Party will be fun character experiences with dance parties, photo opportunities, screenings of Pixar shorts and more.

Enjoy 6 festival marketplaces in Disney California Adventure Park with tasty menus inspired by Pixar stories.

Of course, there will be limited-time merchandise and novelties, too.

Downtown Disney will join the fun, too, with Pixar-themed foods, merchandise, entertainment, and decor.

This sounds like a really fun festival! Please contact me if you want to chat about planning your Disneyland trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Pics ©Disney

Disney World Summer and Early Fall 2024 Savings

Disney announced new resort savings offers for Summer through Early Fall 2024. On sale now. Lock in your summer vacation now with just a $200 deposit!

Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get one of these offers applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.

Disney® Visa® Free Dining Offer

Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option – for arrivals most nights from:

July 1 to July 31, 2024
September 1 to September 7, 2024
December 9 to December 21, 2024

The dining plan included in this special offer depends on the Disney Resort hotel you selected. The Disney Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Moderate or Disney Value Resort hotel. Offer excludes select room types.

The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Advance package reservations are required. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

All Guests: Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms

Save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 – 14 consecutive nights or 10% – 25% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024.

Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms

Florida residents can save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for 1 – 14 night stays most nights from July 8 – October 3, 2024.

Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 35% on Rooms

For 1 – 14 night stays from July 8 – October 3, 2024, annual passholders can save 10% – 35% depending on the resort.

Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.

This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. The previously posted Ticket Offer is still valid for summer stays as well. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room-only bookings before they sell out.

The number of rooms allocated for any of these offers is limited and excludes certain room types. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Feel free to contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Don’t Take Pics of the Total Solar Eclipse

Don’t take pics of the total solar eclipse tomorrow, April 8, 2024, with your phone or camera! The stronger sun rays can damage your gadget’s lens.

For the same reason that you should not look directly at the sun during the eclipse since the sun’s rays will be so strong, you should not aim your phone or camera at it either. It can cause serious damage if you’re not using the appropriate solar lens filters. Just figured I’d mention it since we’re just so used to snapping pics real quick of everything nowadays that we may not even think about that. Myself included.

Instead, use your phone to safely watch a professional’s livestream instead if you must and take some screenshots. NASA will have a webcast from 1pm to 4pm EDT where you can watch live.

NASA Webcast

If you do have the appropriate solar lens filters, here is some information for taking pictures of the eclipse:

How to Shoot Solar Eclipse Photos & Videos

Otherwise, there are many creative ways to view a reflection of it instead, such as making those pinhole reflection boxes. Some locations are giving away those fashionable paper eclipse glasses, though I imagine they’ll run out fast. They sell them on Amazon and other places too, but make sure they are legit certified and approved ones. Don’t just use regular sunglasses either. They won’t provide enough protection for staring at the sun.

More eclipse and eclipse viewing info here:

Many locations, including some national parks, colleges, and science museums, are holding eclipse viewing parties. Search “eclipse viewing near here” for events near your local area.

If you’re planning to travel to locations along its totality path, plan for huge crowds and traffic! Most hotels are already sold out too. Plan accordingly.

A total eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth line up in a row with the moon directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth. Totality occurs when the moon covers the entire sun except for the corona. The next total solar eclipse over the United States won’t be until 2044, so catch this one if you can!

Happy eclipse viewing!

Test Track Closing

Disney just announced that Test Track in EPCOT at Disney World will close temporarily beginning June 17, 2024 for reimagining.

They are reaching back into Disney history for inspiration for the redesign of this ride, including the original World of Motion attraction from the early days of EPCOT. The picture above is a first look at a brand-new rendering of the attraction.

If you have huge Test Track fans in your group, take note of this closing date when planning your trip. No reopening date has been announced yet but it’s expected to be closed for several months for this extended reimagining.

If you want to chat about this or about planning your next Disney trip, please contact me.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Pic ©Disney

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2024

Universal Orlando just announced this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event! It will take place on select nights August 30 – November 3, 2024, primarily Wednesday – Sunday nights, from 6:30pm – 2am.

Tickets are on sale now! There are also express passes, R.I.P. tours, and hotel packages. Select ticket purchases come with 6 months of Peacock streaming this year.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed nighttime event, with 5 scare zones, 10 haunted houses, live entertainment, rides and attractions, food, merchandise, and more. Details of the haunted houses are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned!

Note that some of the scares are pretty intense and gory, so it may be too much for the little ones and the faint of heart. It is not recommended for those under age 13. There are plenty of YouTube videos about it from previous years if you want to get a sense of what it’s really like first.

This is a very popular event so if you are interested, you should buy your tickets ASAP.

For more details, visit the Universal Orlando Horror Nights site.

Contact me if you want me to help plan your Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

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