Good Friday morning, everyone! 👋
Landon here and I hope you had a somewhat shorter/less stressful workweek thanks to the Fourth of July. 🎆 Working in the news business, things here didn’t change much - as they say, the news never sleeps. I spent my Fourth of July among the crowds at Magic Kingdom. Did you all see the incredible flyover by the US Air Force? WOW.
Recommended Videos
I wanted to start things off this week with a cool story for all the Disney fans out there.
If you’re like me, you might have some space in your home for a collectable or two. Gone are the days of collecting those Disney pins or that next pair of Mickey ears. If you haven’t heard, the largest individually owned Disneyland/Disney Park collection in the world, amassed over a 30-year period will hit the auction block this month. Ever wanted to own a Goofy costume, Dumbo ride vehicle or Haunted Mansion Doom Buggy?
NOW is your chance! 😃
According to Van Eaton Galleries, over 1,500 items will be exhibited at the Burbank Town Center Mall in Burbank, California. Many of these items will then go up for auction beginning July 17. Joel Magee is the man behind the collection. The auction house said his passion for collecting began at age 13 while visiting a local flea market where he was fascinated with a collectible lunchbox and the rest is history.
“I have spent most of my life searching the world for the most extraordinary Disney items that trace the history of such a magical place. It’s been a passion of mine forever and now it’s time to share that passion with fans and collectors around the globe,” Magee explained. “I look forward to seeing all the happy faces at the exhibition and hope that the lucky bidders who become the new custodians of pieces in this collection enjoy them and learn from them like I have over the past few decades.”
The entire collection is incredible, but it may cost you a pretty penny if you want to get a piece. 💰 Click here to see it all.
Anything that you wish that you had? Let’s talk! Email me at lmcreynolds@wkmg.com.
A NEW look 👸🏾
A couple days after Walt Disney World installed that giant tiara-topped water tower at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, Disney shared a first look at the new outfit that Princess Tiana will be sporting at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Tiana can be seen in the social media post wearing brown boots, green pants, a yellow top and green jacket. The outfit is topped off with a brown hat and red bandana. Disney unveiled her new look at ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans, one year after announcing the “Princess and the Frog” attraction. 🐸 Disney has not said when you will see Tiana in her new outfit, but keep your eyes peeled! 👀
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is scheduled to open in late 2024.
Holly 🎄Jolly
A few weeks ago I told you about all the holiday events headed to Walt Disney World. 🎅
Tickets for some of their big events are NOW ON SALE. One that you definitely want to get tickets to is the all-new event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios called “Jollywood Nights.” The separately-ticketed event only runs 10 nights and will feature a ton of stuff inside the park including new shows and the return of “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Tickets start at $159 for an adult or child.
For those looking to go the more traditional route at Walt Disney World, tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are also on sale. This week, we got a look at the prices that range from $159 for an adult to $199. The closer you get to Christmas, the more expensive it will be. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins Nov. 9.
🎁 Also new this week, Disney shared more photos of some of the holiday merchandise that will be coming to the theme parks this season.
🧳 Resort roundup
Let’s talk about some Disney resorts now. 👍
Starting things off at Swan and Dolphin Resort Hotels. Have you stayed here? If you’re a Florida resident or Walt Disney World annual passholder - the hotels have a special deal for you! For a limited-time you can get a discount on some resort stays. Both hotels offer incredible amenities including a luxury spa, six pools, 23 restaurants and lounges and preferred tee times on nearby Disney championship golf courses. Don’t forget the complimentary transportation to the theme parks.
Something else I wanted to spotlight this week was the Disney Family Wellness collection.
I had the chance to talk with Disney hotel leaders about it last week. Disney Family Wellness is a collection of new and existing resort experiences for your overall health and well-being, along with resort amenities like the fitness centers, walking trails and pools. Anyone up for a game of pickleball, scavenger hunt or yoga/ fitness sessions? 🧘 Select Disney resorts offer it, and most of it is FREE!
Resorts are also rolling out some all-new delicious and nutritious snack packs to fuel your day.
Passholder NIGHT🌙
Universal Orlando annual passholders will soon get a night all to themselves this summer. This week, Universal Orlando announced the return of its Passholder Night. 🌕 The resort said this will be happening on Aug. 26 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Universal plans to release even more details as this event draws closer. If you can’t make it for the one night, Universal Orlando will be announcing details about its Passholder Appreciation Days, which are set to return on Aug. 15. Last year, annual passholders saw special discounts, exclusive passholder merchandise, a collectible UOAP themed magnet and unique food and beverage offerings!
I’ll be sure to let you know if I hear anything more about this soon. In the meantime, here is a link to all the benefits passholders can get NOW. 😁
Speaking of Universal Orlando, something is happening at their new EPIC Universe park! Construction is well underway🏗️😏 Anyone know what this could be?!?
Monster party 🦇
Legoland Florida Resort has announced the dates for its popular fall event, “Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party.” 🎃
Beginning Sept. 16, guests will see new and returning live shows, spooktacular LEGO décor, Halloween characters, trick-or-treat stations throughout the park and a NEW fireworks show. The park promises to share even more about the event as it inches closer, but right now if you’re planning on visiting, you can save on hotel stays! The theme park is also offering a deal that includes 3-day multi-park tickets for the price of a 2-day ticket. Legoland Florida Resort annual passholders can also save when booking a room. 💸 For a limited-time, annual passholders who stay two nights in September will get 25% off at any Legoland Florida Resort hotel.
Smaller Thrills 🎡
🍊 Flavors of Florida now underway at Disney Springs
🎶 SeaWorld concert series begins this weekend
😭 FINAL DAYS for Busch Gardens’ SandSerpent coaster
That will wrap things up from me this week!
I hope you all have a great weekend and happy bidding on those Disney auction pieces I was talking about earlier. 😉
Landon