The 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World will be held February 28th – May 27th this year.
We love this festival! The most unique feature of this festival is the awesome topiaries. There are so many incredibly detailed and life-like floral topiaries of Disney characters and various other objects all around the park. If you go, definitely go around to find them all.
Another favorite is all of the different food kiosks with such creative foods and drinks to try. It’s fun to go with others so you can share a little something from each kiosk. There’s no way you can eat everything yourself, at least not in one day. Check out this Food Kitchen page for a full list of the offerings.
The Garden Rocks Concert Series also returns to the America Pavilion Theater with a long lineup of artists. View the concert lineup here often, as the performers can change. Some of the more popular performers can fill up fast, so line up early. If you want to guarantee yourself a seat, you can also reserve a dining package, which will get you a meal during that day and guaranteed entry to the concert show of your choice.
There will also be scavenger hunts, cooking demonstrations, a butterfly house, themed garden areas around the World Showcase countries, play areas and other activities for the little ones, and of course, plenty of merchandise. For more details, view this page for the festival:
Disneyland After Dark: Star WarsNite is back with galactic entertainment, novel themed snacks and unique photo opportunities on eight separate nights at Disneyland park in California!
This separately ticketed event will be held on April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 and May 2, 7 and 9, 2024. Tickets cost $159 to $169.
Each Star Wars Nite will begin with a pre-party mix-in at Disneyland park from 6pm to 9pm PT before the party officially begins from 9pm to 1am PT.
Guests in Star Wars-themed costumes* are invited to participate in The Fleet of Fandom cavalcade, where they will join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in a march down Main Street, U.S.A., culminating in a group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, illuminated with galactic projections.
Guests can bring their lightsaber and learn how to handle it with skill, concentration, and a clear mind with a quick stop at the Star Wars Nite Lightsaber Instructional at “it’s a small world” mall. Here, guests will be introduced to all-new maneuvers specially crafted for this year’s recruits. All members of the Light Side and/or Dark Side are welcome.
Guests can bring their lightsabers and gather at the Millennium Falcon for a Resistance Show of Unity!
Dance along at the Galactic Dance Party with a Master DJ on Main Street, U.S.A.
Dine on over twenty new, yummy treats available only during Star Wars Nites.
Encounter Captain Phasma and her elite unit of Stormtroopers in a March of the First Order.
Partake in multiple Star Wars-themed photo opportunities, featuring some new places and faces from across the Star Wars universe.
Admission also includes souvenir keepsakes such as a Star Wars Nite credential and event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the event.**
In addition to all the themed fun that comes to life just for the party, guests will have the opportunity to ride some popular attractions after regular park hours (often with less wait times).
Tickets On Sale Soon
Tickets can be purchased on Disneyland.com.
Inspire Magic Key annual pass holders will have the first opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets for Star Wars Nite on Tuesday Feb 20, 2024 (no earlier than 9am PT).
On Wednesday Feb 21st and Thursday Feb 22nd, all Magic Key holders will have the opportunity to purchase.
On Friday Feb 23rd (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public.
Tickets are limited and subject to availability.***
For the first time, if guests are waiting in the online queue to purchase Star Wars Nite tickets, they may have the option to be digitally notified when it’s their time to enter the ticket store.
To participate, once in the queue, guests can choose the “notify me” option and enter their email address. They will receive an email letting them know it’s their turn to return to the waiting room in order to enter the ticket store site. From the time their turn begins, they will have ten minutes to use the link to return to the site.****
These events are very popular and will likely sell out very fast. If you want to purchase tickets, be online before 9am PT and be prepared to wait upwards of several hours possibly.
If you want to chat about this event or planning your Disney trip in general, please feel free to contact me.
AdventuresByAnne.com
*Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions.
**Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.
***The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event. Offer, event, and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability.
****Guests will have 10 minutes to use the link to return to the site from when their turn begins, or they will lose their place in line and will need to re-join the queue at the back of the line. The link will no longer be valid once their turn has ended or After they have used the link to return to the site, whether they purchase tickets or not. If this happens, guests will need to re-join the queue at the back of the line. Guests should check spam and/or junk folders to ensure the initial email confirmation is sent.
Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate it! Do you still need a last-minute gift?
Book a trip!
You can still very quickly book a future weekend getaway, a cruise, or an even longer trip today. Just do an initial booking and plan the rest together. That’s part of the fun!
Most hotel bookings don’t even need a booking payment and resorts or cruises usually only need a 20% deposit. There are plenty of deals out there right now for Disney, Universal, cruises, and many other locations. If you book far out enough, that can give you plenty of time to save up the balance and plan the rest of the trip itinerary later.
Just make sure to book something where your reservation and deposit are cancellable and refundable just in case you end up deciding to change plans. Be sure to read the fine print and know the policies.
If you want me to help you plan and book your trip, contact me anytime. For some ideas of possible trips, check out my Instagram and website.
Disney just announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is opening this summer in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California!
They also shared a sneak peek of one of dozens of new audio-animatronic figures. Guests can look forward to seeing Tiana in her adventure outfit, as well as familiar faces and new friends that will fill up the bayou.
This new ride is a re-theme of the previous Splash Mountain ride. Are you excited?
Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about planning a Disney trip.
Last Chance to Enjoy a FREE Dining Plan at Walt Disney World Resort!
This offer must be booked by February 14, 2024.
As mentioned in a previous post, Disney+ subscribers can get a FREE dining plan when purchasing a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Disney World package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option. Packages may be longer as well.
This offer is valid for arrivals most nights July 1 through September 30, 2024.
After this offer ends, you can still add the dining plan to any room package booking. It just won’t be free. However, you can take advantage of several other Disney Savings Offers going on right now.
View my Disney Dining page for more details on dining and dining plans at Disney to see if this offer would be worthwhile to you.
Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about this or want me to help plan your next trip.
In addition to the Free Dining Plan Offer for Disney+ subscribers staying July 1 – Sept 30, 2024, there are a few more offers that have been announced for 2024.
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® Cardmembers Offer
Disney® Visa® Cardmembers can enjoy special Cardmember rates at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from March 25 through June 29, 2024.
Possible rates include:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – $129 per night, plus tax for a Standard Room, for stays most nights from March 25 through April 27, 2024
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – $229 per night, plus tax for a Standard View Room (accommodates up to 5 Guests), for stays most nights from March 25 through June 29, 2024
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – $419 per night, plus tax for a Resort View Room, for stays most nights from March 25 through June 29, 2024
Plus, enjoy other great rates at many other Disney Resort hotels.
Rates vary based on room type, Resort hotel, and travel dates. Valid for stays between 1-14 days.
You must use your Disney Visa or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit on the stay. Disney® Visa® Cardmember must stay in the room.
Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms
For 1 – 4 night stays from March 25 – July 7, 2024, you can save 10% – 25% depending on the resort.
For 5 – 14 night stays from March 25 – July 7, 2024, you can save 10% – 30% depending on the resort.
For 1 – 4 night stays from July 8 – Oct 3, 2024, you can save 10% – 30% depending on the resort.
For 5 – 14 night stays from July 8 – Oct 3, 2024, you can save 10% – 35% depending on the resort.
Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms
For 1 – 14 night stays from March 25 – July 7, 2024, you can save 10% – 30% depending on the resort.
Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.
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.
Florida Residents: Disney Thrills Ticket Offer
Experience the thrills at Disney World with a 2-day ticket for $199 (plus tax) or a 3-day ticket for $219 (plus tax).*
You can also add these options to your ticket:
Park Hopper Option – $40 more per ticket, plus tax
Park Hopper Plus Option – $55 more per ticket, plus tax
Water Park and Sports Option – $35 more per ticket, plus tax
This special Florida resident ticket is valid for use beginning Jan. 11 through March 15, 2024 (even on the weekends!) with an advance park reservation. All adults will need to show proof of Florida residency at the park entrance.
* One theme park per day. Reservations are limited and subject to availability of reservations allocated to this ticket as determined by Disney, and park capacity.
Annual Pass holders: Save Up to 35% on Rooms
For 1 – 14 night stays from March 25 – July 7, 2024, you can save 10% – 35% depending on the resort.
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.
This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room only bookings.
Feel free to contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.
Did you know that today, Jan 30th, is National Plan For Vacation Day??
This was created to remind us to plan our vacations for the coming year. Don’t lose your vacation days. Planning ahead can usually get you better pricing than last-minute bookings and give you more time to save up and design a better trip. If you’re dealing with the winter doldrums, this will give you something to look forward to also.
Many cruise lines, hotels, and attractions, like Disney and Universal, have sales going on already. Some of the major National Parks require timed entry reservations, and tours and campgrounds are already open for bookings too. Lock them in before they sell out.
Whether your vacation is across the globe or a local staycation, two weeks long or just a long weekend, start planning now. Contact me if you want help with vacation ideas and bookings.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disneyland California Adventure Park from January 23 – February 18, 2024!
This multicultural celebration is filled with auspicious wishes for health, luck and prosperity throughout the new year, the Year of the Dragon.
Don’t miss Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession honoring family, friendship and the potential for a fortune-filled new year. Follow Little Lantern on a journey to return home for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune in the World of Color preshow, Hurry Home.
Catch live entertainment throughout the day from several Asian groups. Check your Disneyland app for showtimes.
Luna Lee – modern rock Gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument, performer
Melody of China – premiere Chinese music ensemble playing Chinese folk, classical and contemporary instrumentals
New Tradition – pop band promoting diversity through their versatile musicianship and Vietnamese cultural roots
Vocal Seoul – acappella group of Korean-American singers
Sample a variety of Asian-inspired dishes prepared with a Disney twist at specialty Lunar New Year Marketplaces (view full menus).
– Bamboo Blessings – Wrapped with Love – Lucky 8 Lantern – Prosperity Bao & Buns – Red Dragon Spice Traders – Longevity Noodle Co.
New for this year, take a photo with Meilin Lee and her mom, Ming Lee, from the Disney and Pixar film, Turning Red. Catch a photo with other Disney characters dressed in colorful Lunar New Year inspired attire as well.
Stop by the Lucky Wishing Wall located in Paradise Gardens to add your special message of hope, health, and happiness for the upcoming year.
Partake in the many crafts and activities and of course, there will be plenty of merchandise for your shopping pleasure as well.
Come join in the fun! I wish you a happy and healthy year!
This time of year is usually when the Disney theme parks like to do annual maintenance on their rides, especially water rides. Make sure to check each park’s refurbishment calendar when planning your trip dates to make sure a favorite ride won’t be closed. Below are just some main ones that I’m seeing as of this writing.
Disney World
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Hollywood Studios – Jan 8th-Summer 2024
Frozen Ever After, EPCOT – Jan 24th only, then Nov 2-6th
Big Thunder Railroad, Magic Kingdom – Jan 16-20th
Country Bear Jamboree, Magic Kingdom – Jan 27-Summer 2024
Splash Mountain, Magic Kingdom – already closed for the retheming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, scheduled to open sometime this year
Kali River Rapids, Animal Kingdom – Jan 8-tbd
In addition to the rides, the Disney Skyliner Gondola will be closed for annual maintenance from Jan 16-21st, and until Jan 27th between the International Gateway at EPCOT and the Riviera resort. Buses to the parks will be provided if you’re staying at the Skyliner resorts.
Also, Blizzard Beach is open but Typhoon Lagoon is now closed until they both reopen for the warmer months.
Disneyland
Haunted Mansion, Disneyland – Jan 22-tbd
“it’s a small world”, Disneyland – Jan 7-17th
Splash Mountain, Disneyland – already closed for the retheming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening date tbd
Grizzly River Run, California Adventure – Jan 8-tbd
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, California Adventure– Jan 22-Feb 8th
World of Color One, California Adventure – Jan 8-18th
In the park calendars below, change the date, click on the park icons of all of the ones you want to check, and then scroll down to the Closed for Refurbishment section of each park.
These calendars also show the park hours and scheduled times for the numerous shows and fireworks (of course, subject to change and some won’t get posted til it’s closer to that date but checking closer dates can give you an approximate idea), so it’s good to check them often if you want to plan dining reservations or ride times around certain ones.
Check the calendars often, especially if your trip is still several months or even weeks away, since closures and dates for their reopening can fluctuate. Closures do happen year-round, not just in January and February.
Of course, this applies to any other theme parks, or any other attraction/location, that you may be interested in going to as well. Always check their websites before you lock in your travel plans and before your trip dates, for any closures and changes. Or, you can use a travel agent, like me, who will stay on top of any changes for you. 😁
Feel free to contact me if you want any help planning your future trips.
Update Jan 12, 2024: The festival started today and the menus of the food booths have been added to Disney’s Festival of the Arts page.Click the Details link for each booth listing.
Update Nov 17, 2023: Disney just announced the lineup of performers for the Disney on Broadway concerts and the list of food booths. Exciting!
If you’re planning ahead, the EPCOTInternational Festival of the Arts will run from January 12 – February 19, 2024 at Disney World. This festival will showcase the fine arts, performance arts, and culinary arts.
A highlight of this festival is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series where major Broadway stars perform songs from Disney Broadway musicals. Shows take place on select days at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm at the America Gardens Theatre in the America pavilion. The list of performers is listed on their site. Check it often for the latest updates.
If you want to guarantee yourself a seat, you may want to book a dining package. Some shows will fill up fast.
Throughout the day around the World Showcase, other musical acts will also be performing.
Another key component will be the unique food booths showcasing dishes with a more artistic flair. Some look almost too pretty to eat!
One of the most unique features of this festival will be the many opportunities to see and participate in artistic activities yourself.
Artists will be showcasing their paintings and even painting live during the day. You can also join your fellow park-goers in painting a giant paint-by-numbers type wall mural.
Other artists will be drawing the most amazing 3D chalk art images on the sidewalks that you can then take pictures with. You really look like you’re inside that drawing. They’re incredible!
There will also be new photo ops, PhotoPass Magic Shots, plenty of merch, and many other fun activities. This is a short but unique festival. Try to catch it.
We attended this festival last year and it was one of our favorites. As always, feel free to contact me if you want to chat about planning your Disney trip.
Adventures By Anne 