I love this time of year, between Christmas and New Year’s. There’s something inexplicably magical in the air, with a feeling of peace presiding. During the holidays, the world is treated to unique celebrations and special entertainment that won’t be easily found by most the rest of the year. Those lucky enough to be a […]
The post Disney and the Rose Parade: A Flourishing Floral History appeared first on MiceChat.
We recently stayed at Cascade Cabin at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a Disney Vacation Club resort, and we’re taking you on a virtual tour through this outdoorsy oasis filled with the Wilderness charm you know and love.
Upon entering the cabin, you’re immediately met with theming that connects it to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge’s woodsy aesthetic but with a modern, luxurious spin.
Hanging from the tall ceiling is a gemstone-inspired chandelier. There is a floating wooden countertop with a raw edge for placing keys, bags, and other essentials. Between two wall sconces is an art installation of tree stump pieces.
The wood is detailed with gold accents. It feels modern and not too over-the-top while still getting the theming across.
If you turn right off of the entryway, you’ll be met with the first bedroom. The window gives you a view of the outside walkway and has a sitting spot with two large drawers underneath. The raised bed also has plenty of space beneath it for storage.
The headboard is modern and thematic, and has a switch on either side for the lamps. Each nightstand has two standard and two USB outlets, and two drawers. The mirrored barn door slides open to reveal a large closet with plenty of storage.
Under the TV are four standard and four USB outlets.
There is a pull-out bed hidden underneath the television.
The artwork of Chip N’ Dale sleeping within the foliage is a true highlight of the room.
The hallway leads to the main bedroom, a bathroom, a closet, and the rest of the cabin.
Artwork themed to the lumber industry lines the walls.
The stacked washer and dryer are tucked away in a closet.
The hallway closet has an iron, ironing board, and safe.
The main bedroom is very spacious, with two large nightstands, a raised bed, and wood finishes throughout that make it feel like Wilderness Lodge, but also luxurious.
The large headboard spans nearly to the ceiling and gives more of a modern cabin feel.
The workstation has two drawers, a desk lamp, and a TV with four standard and four USB outlets. The large dresser has lots of storage and hanging space.
Artwork of the western half of Washington state — the area that inspired the resort — hangs on the wall.
There’s a door to the outdoor area.
A large mirrored barn door leads to the attached bathroom.
The bathroom features a double vanity, a large mirror, a makeup mirror, H2O products, and a television inside of the mirror.
The toilet is in a separate, closed-off area within the bathroom.
There is a large tub with jets, a huge shower with a rainfall showerhead, and a handheld showerhead. There is a seat and mounted shampoo, conditioner, and soap inside the shower.
The standalone bathroom feels a bit less on-theme than the rest of the cabin, but includes everything you’d need. One thing that stands out is the artwork — a bear totem necklace that felt like a sure “Brother Bear” reference.
Separate from the bathroom is a shower room with a vanity with one sink and a shower with a seat.
The towel storage space features a totem print similar to that of the hotel lobby.
The living and dining area welcomes in lots of natural light thanks to a wall of massive windows.
The dining area has a table that seats eight, with additional bar seating at the island.
The art here references two important railroads: Carolwood Pacific Railroad, Walt Disney’s backyard railroad, and Fort Wilderness Railroad, which operated from the 70s into the early 80s before it was closed down.
The kitchen has everything you’d need for your stay: a stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, lots of storage, a Keurig, and a bunch of plates, glasses, utensils, and other basics.
The living area has a gas fireplace, a fan, a sleeper chair, a pull-out couch, two chairs, a coffee table, and upper and lower shades that open and close via switches on the wall.
The chair can be pulled open and counts as one of the eight sleeping options in the cabin.
The sofa also fully pulls out to be used for bedtime.
Outside, you’ll find two chairs sat by the gas fireplace, a picnic table, and a spa pool, a.k.a. a hot tub.
This small seating area leads to the main bedroom.
The spa pool is gated and has all around views.
You get unmatched serene views of the wilderness around you as Disney boats go by.
Watch our full room tour video below.
What do you think of the Cascade Cabin at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Would you book a stay at one of these cabins in the future? Let us know in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post PHOTOS, VIDEO: Tour a Cascade Cabin at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge appeared first on WDW News Today.
2023 saw some incredible moments for the UFC. We had new champions, epic knockouts and some unforgettable fights. Across 47 events, 14 of them pay-per-views, fight fans were treated to some truly incredible contests over the course of the year. The hard part is looking back at all those fights an picking out the very […]
The post Year in Review: The Best of the UFC in 2023 appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
Nothing at Walt Disney Word is “just a ride.” Backstories exist for every attraction, land, restaurant, and hotel. They provide framework and context for the Imagineered details, and a good backstory can add another layer to the visual storytelling. In this post, I’ll list my favorite backstories at Walt Disney World. (Updated December 30, 2023.) […]
The post Top 10 Backstories at Disney World appeared first on Disney Tourist Blog.
Magic Kingdom celebrates the new year each December with the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, a version of the first-ever Disneyland fireworks show that debuted in 1958. The show is performed at Magic Kingdom on both December 30 and 31, at 6:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. each night. We were at Magic Kingdom for the first performance on December 30, 2023.
The show began with laser projections counting down the seconds to “midnight.”
Each time a new countdown number was projected on the castle…
…the lighting changed on the castle.
As the countdown completed, the sky lit up with fireworks and the projection on the castle scrolled, “Happy New Year.”
Though there were many fireworks, we noted that the fireworks were not 360° this year.
The castle was lit in pinks, purples, greens, and blues throughout the fireworks performance.
Will you be enjoying the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks in person this year at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.
If you’re planning on celebrating the new year at Walt Disney World Resort, the 2024 merchandise has already dropped. Most recently, a pin featuring Goofy and Max and a few extra items for the 2024 merchandise collection arrived at the resort.
All four theme parks at Walt Disney World have extended hours for New Year’s Eve, with three of the four parks staying open until midnight or later.
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will both have special fireworks shows. There will be dance parties throughout EPCOT. Check out some of the 2024 merchandise available, too.
A few limited edition treats are available across the resort from now until early into 2024 to celebrate.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post PHOTOS, VIDEO: ‘Fantasy in the Sky’ New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebrate 2024 at Magic Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.
Calling all Disney foodies! 2024 is shaping up to be a delicious year for Disney snack merch. Two new collections – the Disney Eats Snacks Collection and the Stitch Attacks Snacks series – will be released throughout the year, featuring home goods, accessories, and apparel themed around beloved Disney snacks.
Launching on January 16th on shopDisney and coming soon to Disney Parks, the Disney Eats Snacks Collection brings together trendy culinary favorites with Disney magic. The collection includes:
The Disney Eats Snacks Collection will continue releasing new themed merchandise each month throughout 2024.
Highlights include:
In addition to the Disney Eats Collection, 2024 will also see the release of the Stitch Attacks Snacks series. Launching on January 9th on shopDisney, this playful 12-part series will feature a themed plush and pin set every month showcasing Stitch enjoying different snacks. The series kicks off with Stitch munching on a Mickey pretzel plush and pin set.
Upcoming releases include:
With two snack-themed collections releasing new items each month, 2024 is set to satisfy every Disney foodie’s cravings. Between apparel, accessories, home goods and plushies, you’ll be able to show off your love of Disney snacks in style all year long. So get ready to snack in style in 2024! Be sure to visit shopDisney starting in January to get your hands on the latest Disney Eats and Stitch Attacks Snacks merchandise. With new releases coming out each month, you’ll want to keep checking back for all the delicious additions to these mouthwatering collections.
The post New Disney Snack Merch Coming in 2024 appeared first on Park Savers.
Two Disney World rides will be temporarily CLOSED soon, so if you want to get one more ride in, you’ll need to get to the theme parks this week!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney occasionally shuts down rides and attractions in order to refresh and update them, and soon it will be time for two popular attractions to get their annual refurbishment.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close on January 8th, and we don’t know yet when it will reopen. This roller coaster had a long refurbishment in 2023, lasting from January through part of April. It’s possible that this 2024 closure will last a few months as well, but Disney hasn’t confirmed the end date yet.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
We’ll be watching for updates on this ride’s closure, and we’ll let you know as soon as we find out when it’ll reopen!
Kali River Rapids usually closes in January for refurbishment since water rides like this tend to be less popular during the winter months when it’s chilly outside. In 2024, it will close on January 8th.
Kali River Rapids boat
Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date yet, but on the calendar, it’s showing as being closed at least until the end of February. We’ll update you if we find out a reopening date!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will have a fairly short closure in January from the 16th through the 20th.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This popular coaster in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will reopen on January 21st.
The Disney Skyliner is closing for its annual refurbishment starting on January 16th. The entire Skyliner will be closed from January 16th through the 21st, and service between Disney’s Riviera Resort and the International Gateway at EPCOT will stay closed through January 27th.
Disney Skyliner EPCOT Station
Don’t worry — free bus service between the parks and hotels that usually are connected by the Skyliner will be provided.
Frozen Ever After will be closed in EPCOT on January 24th. The good news is that this is a very short closure — the Frozen ride should reopen on January 25th.
Frozen Ever After
A few other attractions and restaurants will be closed next week, and most of them are long-term closures that have been going on for several months at least. Let’s check out everything that will be closed next week, from December 31st through January 6th!
Splash Mountain closed on January 23rd, 2023, for a long refurbishment. The ride is being re-themed to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a Princess and the Frog theme.
@Disney
The new ride will reopen sometime in late 2024. We’ll be watching for more updates on the opening timeline.
Wooden fence
If you miss Splash Mountain or want to celebrate the new ride, you should check out our DFB t-shirts! We have a Splash Mountain Farwell Tour shirt…
DFB Exclusive!
…and a Tiana tee as well!
Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch!
You can shop both tees (and lots of other Disney merch) at our online store.
The Barrel Bridge on Tom Sawyer’s Island is not only closed — it’s missing completely!
The Barrel Bridge Is Missing
A Cast Member told us several months ago that it was removed for repairs, and we haven’t seen it back since. We’ll be keeping an eye out for its return.
Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick service restaurant that’s remained closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.
Tomorrowland Terrace
Once in a while, you’ll see the dining rooms open as a rest area, but it’s usually all roped off and empty. Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates!
Well, it’s official — Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in Disney World. We had suspected this was the case for some time (as it hasn’t actually been open for a few years now), but now the permanent closure has finally been confirmed.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney is going to introduce a NEW show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” and is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Fall 2024. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”
Restaurant Marrakesh is still closed in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when it might reopen.
Restaurant Marrakesh building
The restaurant is kind of open right now — it’s functioning as a lounge with just a couple of drink options. However, we’re still waiting for the full restaurant to reopen!
The Land Cart is still closed in EPCOT’s World Nature. This cart is located just outside of the Land pavilion, and it usually serves soft pretzels and drinks.
The Land Cart
Disney’s website shows that this cart will be closed through late February at least, but that’s just as far as the calendar extends — the closure could last longer. We’ll be on the lookout for news!
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, 1900 Park Fare is a table service restaurant where you could meet characters like Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland at their Supercalifragilistic Breakfast and Cinderella and her Prince Charming during the Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.
Dining Room at 1900 Park Fare (2019)
They also had a special event for younger children called the Wonderland Tea Party. It’s sad to see a spot closed that had so much character interaction! Disney hasn’t announced a permanent closure, so there is hope for 1900 Park Fare.
The Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is going to be closed from January 2024 to late March 2024.
Fuentes del Moro pool
During this time, Disney says that “guests are welcome to swim in any of the five leisure pools” at Caribbean Beach Resort.
The Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter will be closed from January 2024 to April 2024.
Doubloon Lagoon Pool
If you’re staying at this hotel during the pool’s closure, you can still go swimming at the Ol’ Man Island Pool at Port Orleans Riverside.
Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed in Disney World, and the website does not yet list a reopening date.
Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool
Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, however, is open!
Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:
We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.
Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip
Are you visiting Disney World this week? Let us know in the comments!
The post HURRY! It’s the LAST WEEK To Ride These 2 Disney World Rides Before They CLOSE for Refurbishment! first appeared on the disney food blog.
A recent airport incident involving Spirit Airlines has been making headlines.
Orlando International Airport
An unaccompanied child ended up on the wrong Spirit Airlines flight, and now, Spirit has responded.
Just recently, Spirit Airlines launched an investigation into an incident involving a 6-year-old boy traveling from Philadelphia to Fort Myers to visit his grandmother. He was “incorrectly boarded” and ended up on a plane going to Orlando.
Spirit Airlines at Orlando Airport
According to Fox35, that investigation revealed that a gate agent in Philadelphia was responsible for the mix-up. Spirit Airlines stated that the agent escorted the boy to the wrong plane. As a result, that gate agent has been fired.
“This agent is no longer working with Spirit, and any individual whose actions resulted in the incorrect boarding will be held accountable for failing to follow our procedures,” Spirit said. “We are also reiterating our procedures to the team, and we are in communication with the child’s family about this matter.”
©Spirit Airlines
The grandmother, Maria Ramos, said that it was the first time the child had ever been on a plane. She waited for him at the Ft. Myers airport, but when he didn’t get off the plane, she approached a flight attendant who informed her that there were no unaccompanied children on that flight. The boy called his grandmother, and after she instructed him to find a uniformed employee, she found out that he was in Orlando rather than in Fort Myers.
At the time, Spirit Airlines sent a statement to Ramos, “We are so sorry for the terrible mistake. (Casper) is a wonderful young man and was extremely polite and very social with our flight attendants and airport team. I am a grandfather myself and would only do for (Casper) as I would do for my own grandchildren. You must be very proud. Merry Christmas to you and your family.” Spirit also reportedly offered to have a driver take Casper to Fort Myers, though Maria Ramos declined according to Fox35.
©Spirit Airlines
We will look out for additional updates on the situation. Stay tuned to DFB for more.
The post NEWS: Spirit Airlines Responds to Incident That Put 6-Year-Old Boy on Wrong Flight first appeared on the disney food blog.
WOW! One week can make a BIG difference in Disney World’s wait times. You may see some reasonable wait times in Magic Kingdom one day, then the next, the wait times at those same attractions SKYROCKET. What gives? Well, we’ve got two words: holiday. break.
Happy holidays!
The Disney World wait times saw a massive increase around the week of Christmas. In fact, one attraction reached a 150-minute wait! Now, let’s assess the data and see just how busy the parks really were during the holidays.
Below, we’re going to show you the average wait times from every attraction in Disney World over the past week.
Starting in Magic Kingdom, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had the longest average wait time of 83 minutes. Last week, the average wait time was 73 minutes, so the average has increased since then.
Stitch
Next, Peter Pan’s Flight averaged 68 minutes, Space Mountain averaged 65 minutes, Jingle Cruise averaged 57 minutes, and Haunted Mansion averaged 44 minutes. Average wait times held Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 44 minutes, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at 40 minutes, Astro Orbiter at 38 minutes, Enchanted Tales with Belle at 37 minutes, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at 34 minutes, followed by Pirates of the Caribbean at 31 minutes.
Pirates of the Caribbean
After that, “it’s a small world” averaged 28 minutes, Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini averaged 25 minutes, Dumbo the Flying Elephant averaged 24 minutes, Tomorrowland Speedway averaged 25 minutes, Magic Carpets of Aladdin averaged 22 minutes, Mad Tea Party averaged 18 minutes, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover averaged 17 minutes, Mickey’s PhilharMagic averaged 16 minutes, and Enchanted Tiki Room averaged 4 minutes.
Haunted Mansion
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel averaged 13 minutes and other attractions like Hall of Presidents, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Carousel of Progress, and Liberty Square Riverboat all tied at 5-minute average wait times.
Carrousel
The Country Bear Jamboree averaged a 14-minute wait, and Tom Sawyer Island was a walk-on this week.
Heading over to EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure took the top spot for the highest average wait time with 90 minutes, which was an increase from last week. Then, Frozen Ever After had an average wait time of 75 minutes. This is an increase from last week’s 72-minute average.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
Next up is Test Track at 78 minutes, Soarin’ at 54 minutes, Mission: SPACE at 44 minutes, Spaceship Earth at 29 minutes, Turtle Talk with Crush at 19 minutes, The Seas with Nemo and Friends at 17 minutes, Living with the Land at 16 minutes, Journey into Imagination at 13 minutes, and Gran Fiesta Tour at 12 minutes.
Mission SPACE
Awesome Planet, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Impressions de France, and Reflections of China had no wait times this week.
Slinky Dog Dash increased this week from an 89-minute average to a 106-minute average. Rise of the Resistance is next in this park with 99 minutes, up quite a bit from 80 minutes last week.
Slinky Dog Dash
Other wait times in the park increased this week, including Tower of Terror at 75 minutes, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at 79 minutes, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at 77 minutes, Toy Story Mania at 67 minutes, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at 61 minutes.
Tower of Terror
After that, Alien Swirling Saucers averaged 47 minutes, Star Tours — The Adventure Continues averaged 24 minutes, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy averaged 14 minutes, Muppet*Vision 3D averaged 11 minutes, and Walt Disney Presents averaged 8 minutes.
Now, let’s head over to Animal Kingdom! After reaching a 101-minute average last week, Avatar Flight of Passage is up to a 150-minute average this week.
Expedition Everest
Following that, Na’vi River Journey at 83 minutes, Kilimanjaro Safaris at 53 minutes, Expedition Everest at 37 minutes, DINOSAUR at 39 minutes, and Kali River Rapids at 19 minutes.
Dinosaur
It’s Tough to Be a Bug averaged 14 minutes and TriceraTop Spin also averaged 14 minutes. Both The Boneyard and Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail were walk-ons.
Stay tuned to DFB for more updates from Disney World!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you been to Disney World during this holiday season? Let us know in the comments!
The post Look Out! The Disney World Wait Times Are SKYROCKETING Around the Holidays 😳 first appeared on the disney food blog.
Things are constantly changing in Disney World, and well, we know that’s the whole point.
Japan Pavilion at EPCOT
The year 2024 will bring on a LOT of new changes to Disney World, including the return of the Disney Dining Plan, the return of all-day park hopping, and even the end of park pass reservations for most visitors. But one Disney World restaurant is ALSO changing to mark the New Year.
EPCOT’s newest restaurant is Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, and part of the restaurant’s overall theme is that it changes with the seasons, depending on celebrations being held in Japan. Well, a new celebration will be arriving at Shiki-Sai with the New Year.
Shiki-Sai in the fall
Starting on January 1st, those who dine at Shiki-Sai will get to participate in the New Year celebration there, which will bring the tradition of Omikuji. Omikuji are random fortunes written on strips of paper that you would traditionally get at shrines and temples in Japan. Well, you’ll be able to draw a fortune for yourself at Shiki-Sai.
©Disney via Instagram
The restaurant will also have new activities and decorations to go along with the new celebration. That’s part of the fun of Shiki-Sai because it changes throughout the year and is a great way to eat authentic Japanese food while learning more about Japanese culture.
©Disney via Instagram
So now is a great time to visit Shiki-Sai, and, hey, if you want to indulge in a $300 sushi boat, we won’t judge you!
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you visited this restaurant in EPCOT yet? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
The post Disney’s Newest Shiki-Sai Restaurant Is CHANGING in EPCOT first appeared on the disney food blog.
