Happy Mother’s Day friends!
I was in the parks for on-site training this week so be sure to follow me on social this week to see details about everything we experienced, but for now keep reading for this week’s news update – there’s a LOT to report!
As always, for more information send me an email!
First up, Disney Cruise Line!
Summer 2023 itineraries, including cruises to Europe, Alaska, the Bahamas and Caribbean have been announced! For the first time ever, the Disney Dream will be heading east to Europe.
Bookings for these itineraries open TOMORROW – May 9th!
Cruise pricing is typically least expensive on opening day and prices increase as cruise dates approach. If you’re thinking about a cruise in 2023, reach out for more information!
I am also offering additional onboard credit for anyone who books any Disney cruise between May 9th and May 15th, 2022! Contact me for more details!
Disney Cruise Line also announced new experiences for 2022 Halloween on the High Seas sailings.
Halloween on the High Seas sailings occur in September and October and feature special entertainment and activities, including trick-or-treating, spooky parties, elaborate décor and limited-time food and beverage items.
New for 2022, and exclusive for Disney Cruise Line – meet Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow in their Sanderson sister best!
Other new experiences aboard Halloween on the High Seas sailings include Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a fun-filled costume party for families; villainous takeovers in the adult-exclusive venues; Halloween-themed movies on Funnel Vision; and even a ghostly take on ship announcements.
At Walt Disney World, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Park this fall during the resort’s 50th Anniversary celebration!
Taking place on 37 select nights Aug. 12 through Oct. 31, 2022, this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Keep your eyes on social and the blog for more details!
We also received new details about the transformation of EPCOT!
Several new renderings have been released reflecting the transformation of EPCOT as you walk past Spaceship Earth and begin your journey through the park.
Of particular interest to me is an all new space in the World Celebration neighborhood to expand the international festivals into this area. EPCOT will also be bringing back the glowing sidewalks with all new technology!
We were also super lucky to run into Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in the lobby of the Yacht Club Resort this week.
Look what he’s wearing on his wrist!
This new wearable, MagicBand+, will launch at Walt Disney World Resort this summer. MagicBand+ will include all the same features you’re used to but will also include new interactive features in the theme parks.
For example, over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, MagicBand+ invites you to join the “Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters” experience, where you’ll use your band to find numerous virtual bounties hidden throughout Black Spire Outpost. MagicBand+ will be your guide, vibrating and lighting up to show if you’re on the right path. You can then use the augmented reality thermal viewer in the Play Disney Parks app – which reveals what’s behind locked doors in Black Spire Outpost – to uncover your virtual bounty. Once your mission is complete, the local guild master will reward you with galactic credits.
You can also experience nighttime spectaculars in a new way as you’ll see your MagicBand+ light up and complement the magic in the skies! It’s a dazzling way to join in the celebration and create unforgettable memories at the theme parks.
‘Hey Disney!’ will begin rolling out in select Disney Resort hotel guest rooms across Walt Disney World later this year as part of our 50th anniversary celebration. Access will be offered as an optional, complimentary feature during guest stays.
Using Alexa technology for supported Amazon Echo devices, you’ll be able to ask all the useful questions – weather forecasts, set timers and alarms, etc. – and get answers from more than 25 popular characters including Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Rocket and Groot, Princess Tiana and many more. Plus, when you stay at select Disney Resort hotels, you can use “Hey Disney!” to learn helpful information about your vacation, order room amenities and more. Wondering when the next bus to EPCOT leaves or need to request more towels for your room? Just ask the Disney Magical Companion, a new character who will interact with you via “Hey Disney!”
At Disneyland, it was announced that Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will soon begin a transformation, with an all-new theme! The reimagining of the hotel will weave the artistry of Pixar into its comfortable, contemporary setting. Paradise Pier Hotel will also receive a new entrance directly into California Adventure Park!
Last but not least, for a limited time, guests can save $250 per person on select North America and Central America Adventures by Disney land departures, including Wyoming, the Canadian Rockies and Costa Rica, and $350 per person on select international Adventures by Disney land departures, including England & France, Egypt and Poland, Czech Republic & Austria. Additionally, Guests can save $150 per person on the London Escape departing Aug. 26, 2022.
Adventures must be booked by Sept. 28, 2022 for travel between July 4 – Oct. 31, 2022. Travel must be booked 45-60 days prior to applicable departure date, depending on itinerary. Please note that this offer is valid for new bookings only and is not combinable with any existing offers, discounts or promotions.
