Category: Disney

2024 Disneyland Food & Wine Festival Starts Today

Disneyland Food n Wine Festival

The California Adventure Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland’s California Adventure Park is starting today, March 1, 2024, and will go through April 22, 2024. This will be a celebration of California’s incredible bounty with vibrant cuisine, entertainment and more.

Festival foods

There will be outdoor food and drink kiosks, cooking demonstrations, and beverage seminars. Purchase delicious small plates and beverages inspired by fresh, California-grown ingredients, a variety of artisanal cheeses, and locally brewed craft beers and wines from all across the Golden State.

Festival foods

Visit the Festival Marketplace page to see the menus of the food kiosks. You may also purchase a Sip & Savor pass for some savings on the food purchases. To save time, you may pay for all of the food items that you’ll want from any of the other booths from any booth. Then, you just take the receipt to those other booths and pick them up from the Pickup line rather than having to line up in the Order line for each booth separately.

Festival foods

There will also be live entertainment, activities for the little ones, and of course, plenty of merchandise. Be sure to check the Disneyland app for entertainment schedules.

Food n Wine Festival

During this festival, the Soarin’ ride will have a limited time return to Soarin’ Over California! Be sure to catch that!

Soarin

For details on this festival, view this Food & Wine Festival page:

Valid Disney California Adventure Park ticket or Magic Key pass and park reservation required.

Please contact me if you want to chat about your Disneyland trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Pics ©Disney

Free Water Park Perk for Disney World Resort Guests

2025 WDW Bookings open today with free water park perk.

Starting today, February 27, 2024, Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms and theme park tickets for dates from January to October 2025 will be available to book.

New for 2025, guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can enjoy free admission to one of the water parks, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, on their check-in day – included with your stay!

In addition, Disney Resort guests will enjoy free transportation between resorts and parks, early access to book Individual lightning Lane passes, early entry to the parks, extended evening hours in the parks for deluxe resort guests, early access to book dining reservations, discounted MagicBand+ purchases, and more.

You can book a full package, which includes room and park tickets, or just a room-only reservation, if you already have tickets via other means such as annual passes or military tickets. If you book a package, you have the option of adding a dining plan to it as well.

The deposit on packages is $200 and you pay the balance before 30 days prior to your check-in day. If you book a room only, your deposit is the cost of the room for the first day and you pay the balance when you check in.

Please note one change to the cancellation policy: For 2025 arrivals, room-only reservations can be canceled without penalty until 8 days prior to arrival. This is a change to the current policy of 5 days. This only applies to room only reservations. If you have a package reservation that includes a room and tickets, the cancellation policy is still 30 days prior.

Don’t miss out on the magic—book your Disney World 2025 adventure today!

Please contact me asap if you want to chat more about planning your Disney trip. Some of the more popular resort rooms can sell out quick.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2024

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival

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.

Concert series

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:

There’s no shortage of things to do at EPCOT for the next few months. Hopefully, you can make it to Orlando to check it out. 

Please contact me if I can help you plan your Disney trip.

Orange Bird bag

Pics ©Disney

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite 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).

Star Wars Nite

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.****

Star Wars Nite

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

Star Wars Nite

*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.

©Disney

Last Minute Gift

White Mountains, New Hampshire

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.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Soon

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Happy Mardi Gras!

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.

Tiana animatronic

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.

AdventuresByAnne.com

©Disney

Ending Soon: Disney World Free Dining Plan Offer

Free Dining Plan

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.

Pic ©Disney

Even More Disney World Savings

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.

Pop Century Resort

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.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

National Plan For Vacation Day

National Plan for Vacation Day

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.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

2024 Lunar New Year at California Adventure

Mulan Lunar New Year Processional

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.

Hurry Home preshow

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
Melody of China

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.

Lunar New Year Marketplaces foods

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.

Turning Red characters meet n greet

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!

Mickey

© Disney