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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Universal Epic Universe introduced details of one of the worlds, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.
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. From an exciting coaster to a heart-warming live show, it’s fire-breathing fun for all ages.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Get a dragon’s eye view as Hiccup’s latest flying (coaster) contraption sends you swooping and soaring, above and around the Isle of Berk.
Dragon Racer’s Rally – Hold on tight and practice aerobatic maneuvers on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer in hopes of becoming a champion dragon-racer.
Fyre Drill – Ruffnut & Tuffnut have created a watery boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and out-soak each other.
The Untrainable Dragon – The arrival of a new dragon in Berk presents a challenge to Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid in this spectacular live show.
Viking Training Camp – Young Vikings will discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore in this sprawling, interactive adventure play camp.
Mead Hall – Feast like Vikings on a hearty menu of meats, fish, and drinks including a variety of meads, ciders and ales.
In addition, meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock and meet other Vikings and dragons around Berk. You may even catch a glimpse of dragons flying high above the village!
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.
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 Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.
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.
Universal Orlando Resort currently has several ticket deals and special offers. Now is a great time to book your next Universal trip!
Save 25% on a 3-Park, 5-Night Package
This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in a standard room with a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park ticket between 11/12/23 – 07/31/24.
3-Park 5-Night Vacation Package Starting From Only $89 Per Person, Per Night
This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at select Universal Partner Hotels in a standard room with a 3-Park 4-Day Base ticket (one park per day) and a $75 Bundle and Save Discount off the total vacation package price. It can be upgraded to a stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel. Valid for bookings between 3/14/24-6/12/24 and for stays on select nights 3/14/24-3/22/24, 4/16/24-6/26/24, 7/14/24-8/16/24, or 9/1/24-12/18/24.
Save 20% on 4-Nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel
Stay at a Universal Orlando hotel for four or more nights and save 20% on a non-discounted room rate. This offer is valid for stays between Jan. 2-Feb. 15, Feb. 25-29, Apr. 7-May 23, May 27-Nov. 26, or Dec. 1-19, 2024. Separate theme park admission tickets are required for theme park entry.
Save up to $668 on a 4+ Night Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and enjoy exclusive theme park benefits like Universal Express Unlimited. Book by Aug. 6, 2024 for travel Sundays-Thursdays between May 31-Aug. 10, 2024.
Play 4 Days From $74 Per Day, Plus Tax
This offer is valid for a 2-Park 4-Day base ticket valid for one park a day at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. It may be upgraded to a park-to-park ticket or a 3-park ticket to include Volcano Bay.
Get 3 Months Free on Any Annual Pass
Buy a new Universal Annual Pass and get three extra months of fun. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.
Military Ticket Deals and Specials
As thanks for your service, Universal offers specially priced tickets and vacation packages to active duty and retired service members. Purchase exclusively at your Authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office.
Florida Residents: Buy a Day, Get 2 Days Free On a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket
Florida residents can get 2 days free when they buy a 1-day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket. Add a day at Universal Volcano Bay for only $28 more. This ticket is not available at the front gate; it must be bought online. Use by 6/26/24. Ticket prices vary by day. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.
Florida Residents: Save 40% on Rooms at Select Universal Orlando Hotels
Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel only for travel Sun – Thur. 2/15 – 3/21/24, 4/7 – 5/23/24 and 5/27 – 5/30/24. Savings are based on the non-discounted double occupancy price for the same room before tax. Limited availability and subject to capacity and change without notice. A valid Florida ID is required at check-in. Separate theme park admission is required for theme park entry.
Florida Residents: Create Your Own Vacation Package
Florida residents can select the hotel of their choice, customize their theme park admission, and add vacation enhancements to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort the way they want to. Must be purchased by April 17, 2024 for travel before December 31, 2024.
There are many options for planning an amazing Universal trip this year. In addition to these offers, several standard packages are available year-round, such as the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package. Visit the Universal Special Offers page and Universal Packages page for more details.
We love the Universal Parks! If you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan, these parks are definitely a must-do. Please contact me if you want to chat more about planning a Universal trip.
Happy Butterbeer™ Season! Universal Studios just announced a new “Butterbeer™ Season” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter starting today!
Update 5/1/2024: Butterbeer™ Season has been extended until June 2, 2024.
From March 15 – April 30, 2024, you can enjoy new delicious Butterbeer™ flavored snacks at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Do you like your Butterbeer™ cold, frozen, or hot? This very popular non-alcoholic drink from Harry Potter lore is available in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands in the Universal Parks. The flavor is most similar to butterscotch and cream soda but delicious and unique in its own way. In addition to the iconic drinks, Butterbeer™ flavor is currently available in Butterbeer™ fudge, potted cream, and ice cream forms. You can also enjoy a fresh mug of cold or frozen Butterbeer™ in a souvenir stein.
During Butterbeer™ Season, new items will include Butterbeer™ flavored popsicles, Butterbeer™ caramels (Orlando only), and other yet-to-be-announced treats.
At Universal Studios Hollywood, a new Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream counter will open inside Honeydukes on Friday, March 29th. It will feature 10 ice cream flavors, including Butterbeer™, of course.
Have you had Butterbeer™ before? What’s your favorite? I like the hot, no, the frozen. Actually, I like them all, it’s hard to decide. Time to plan a Universal trip!
Are you excited to see what other Butterbeer™ snacks they come out with? Contact me if you want to chat about a Universal trip.
Adventures By Anne 