A Long Island, New York family has won a trip for 50 to the Walt Disney World Resort in Visit Orlando’s “Most Magical Gathering” Contest. Jennifer Young of Bayport, New York, got the exciting news that she had won the trip of a lifetime for herself and 49 of her closest family members and friends.
According to VisitOrlando.com, the grand prize trip includes so much more than just a couple of days at Disney with the family:
“The grand prize celebration for 50 people includes a three-night, four-day stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, two private catered group celebrations produced by a Disney event specialist from Disney Meetings & Events and theme park tickets. In early March, Young and her family will celebrate three special events – a shared 50th birthday party with her husband and her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary – and will be visiting during the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. The contest prize also includes roundtrip airfare to Orlando provided by Spirit Airlines.”
“It’s been such a long time since all of us have been in the same place at the same time and we’re looking forward to having a lot of fun together,” Jennifer said. “There is a lot to celebrate!”
Jennifer Young submitted a story about her amazing circle of family and friends who consider themselves a pretty tight-knit bunch. In the story, Jennifer says that they believe laughing together makes life so much better. Her story also described the impact that the global pandemic has had on her and her family and friends personally. Jennifer chose to enter the contest because she hoped that she could win and then share the amazing prize with that close-knit group to make up for time lost due to the pandemic.
When it came to milestones, Jennifer mentioned that she and her husband would be celebrating their 50th birthdays (just like Disney World), and her parents were celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. But that’s not all.
Jennifer’s mother-in-law is celebrating her 80th birthday, and other family members’ celebrations included special events like high school graduations, college graduations, and even a sweet 16th.
Jennifer and her family were surprised with the news that she was the grand prize winner in a Zoom call last month. Representatives from Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World, and Spirit Airlines were online for the call and made the announcement to the family. Upon hearing the news, those members of Jennifer’s circle who participated in the Zoom call began cheering, clapping, and crying tears of joy–and they were spread out between New York, Delaware, and South Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Young family to our destination this spring and help them celebrate some huge milestones events with their beloved friends and family members,” said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. “There’s no better place than Orlando for Jennifer and her family to finally reunite, enjoy magical experiences, and create incredible memories they will cherish for a lifetime.”
Maryann Smith, Vice President of Sales, Services, and Events at Disney Destinations was on hand for the call as well.
“What a joy to get to host Jennifer and her family at Walt Disney World Resort during our magical 50th anniversary celebration,” Smith said. “Memories are made here every day, and we can’t wait to see what magical memories Jennifer’s family makes and brings home.”
Write and submit a story in 250 words or less, about why they and their loved ones needed a Magical Gathering, including what milestones they’d be celebrating.
Submit the story with a family photo
Send in submissions no later than November 29, 2021.
Once top finalists were chosen, they were then asked to submit a two-minute video, describing why their family deserved a Magical Gathering at Disney World.
Surely for Jennifer and her entire circle of family and friends, “magical” doesn’t even begin to describe the trip of a lifetime they’re about to enjoy! Congratulations to them all!
While a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” should be fun, exciting, and magical, sometimes it can be difficult to plan and stressful. Perhaps the biggest complaint people have with Walt Disney World right now is how expensive it can be to visit. From hotels to Park tickets and restaurants, a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort can be quite pricey.
Sometimes, however, Guests’ trips can get even more expensive without them realizing it. It is becoming more apparent that Disney may add a charge to your bill that may not always make sense. A recent Reddit thread highlighted this issue. See the full post from u/ silentsnipe21below:
Heads up for online check-in
I just checked out today and they charged me $15 a day to park. As I took Mears I didn’t have a car. I went to the front desk and they took it off. She said that it’s automatically added if you do online check in and arn’t on magical express. I reminded her that doesn’t exist anymore but she just said “yep”. So read your bills carefully at the end. That was $75 they charged me for nothing.
A swarm of other users shared their same experiences with these “mystery” charges. User u/WirtThePegLeggedBy commented:
“She just said ‘yep’” — That’s the sound of an employee who knows very much about the BS, wishes they had the power to correct the BS, but can only sit at the front desk, helpless, and witness the BS.
User u/SkyYellow_SunBlue said the same thing happened to them:
Just happed to us this morning – $125 to park at Jambo house and we took Mears as well. Asked if there was any way to take care of that in advance and they said only if we add the transport options available through Disney when we do the package.
User u/77thHorcrux also said they had a mysterious charge on their bill:
I have a $529 mystery charge from them. No parking. Paid in full months ago. Magic band charges are all separate.. Haven’t heard back from customer support.
User u/nameisinusetryagain commented:
They sneak stuff like this into the vacation packages too. They won’t give an itemized/ detailed bill.
It is always important to double-check all your bills after a Disney vacation to ensure that you are accurately billed. While unfortunate, this does happen fairly often and Disney will add on charges to your overall bill during your stay. Some at Inside the Magic have encountered this as well, as it seems Disney may sometimes assume that you drove and parked overnight. After speaking with Cast Members, we were quickly able to have this rectified.
Mystery charges aside, many Guests are starting to think that Disneyland and Walt Disney World are too expensive. From the smaller portion sizes to increased prices throughout the Parks, a typical Disney vacation seems to be getting more and more costly. Lots of Guests are simply saying that Disney is starting to “price them out” and that they won’t return in the future. Many have also been heavily critical of the insanely expensive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opening up this March.
The three-night immersive experience will set you back around $5,000, which doesn’t include any drinks or a Park ticket to Hollywood Studios which Guests will be taking trips to throughout their stay so they can experience all of the attractions within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Romance is in the air with endless goodies from Disney Parks across the globe and we’re excited to share the tasty items Guests can enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
As Feb. 14 approaches, there is no shortage of delightful eats and sips to enjoy for an extra touch of l’amour at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Prepare to be captivated by your tastebuds as you eat your way through this heart-filled day because these bites and drinks aren’t just adorable, they’re delicious too. And the fun doesn’t stop at just the treats. Guests can take the heartfelt vibes home with you with this Disney Love Songs playlist [insert link here] filled with all your favorite ballads!
All Guest need is love, an appetite, and this guide to check out the many Valentine’s Day delights awaiting them!
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
Coral Reef Restaurant (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Le Cellier Steakhouse (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake for Two: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Engagement Ring Cake: Chocolate cake filled with raspberry sauce atop a shortbread cookie complete with a white chocolate engagement ring (Plant-based) (New)
The Hollywood Brown Derby (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet White Chocolate Mousse: Red velvet white chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie (New)
The Trolley Car Café (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream (New)
Resorts
Available at Multiple Resorts Feb. 9 through Feb. 20
Sweetheart Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with hazelnut cream topped with chocolate hazelnut and strawberry buttercream, a white chocolate heart, and strawberry crisp pearls. (New) Available at the following:
Landscapes of Flavor at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Mickey and Minnie Bouquet: Mickey and Minnie red velvet cake with chocolate topped sugar cookies (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14) (New)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Candy Bar: Coconut, apricot, caramel, pistachio, and cashew bar coated with milk chocolate and topped with chai cream, red velvet crumbs, and raspberry gel
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Bakery (available Feb.7 through Feb. 14)
Marshmallow Mountain Cookie: Sugar cookie with a mountain of vanilla marshmallow dipped in white chocolate and finished with Valentine’s sprinkles (New)
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Available individually or in a pack of six (New)
Cannoli, Coconut Macaron, Sugar Cookies, and Mickey Cinnamon Rolls in pink and red colors (New)
Flying Fish (available Feb.11 through Feb. 13)
Cocoa Breach Vanilla Custard: Cocoa breach vanilla custard with milk chocolate bavarois and feuilletine crunch topped with a heart-shaped under a red chocolate disk (New)
Trattoria al Forno (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Porterhouse Beefsteak for Two: Garlic butter, truffled gnocchi gratin, and pancetta brussels sprouts (New)
Cherry Cordial Brownie: Cherry cordial brownie base, chocolate crunch mousse, cherry filling, and amaretto panna cotta (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Steakhouse 71 (available through Feb. 28)
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake: Chocolate chip pancake with a raspberry cream cheese icing, fresh strawberries, and a chocolate strawberry sauce (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available through Feb. 15)
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cherry Blondie Pop: Chocolate cherry blondie pop dipped in dark chocolate (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Scat Cat’s Club (available Feb.1 through Feb. 28)
Mickey Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet drizzled with cinnamon candy drizzle and Valentine’s Day quins with crushed cinnamon candies
Baton Rouge Beignets: Two traditional beignets with cinnamon candy drizzle, Valentine’s Day quins, and crushed cinnamon candies with a pipette of cinnamon whisky
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Cupcake: Strawberry cupcake with chocolate custard filling topped with buttercream, white chocolate hearts, and heart sprinkles (New)
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available Feb. 10 through Feb. 24)
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Hearts of Romance Cake: Strawberry short cake (New)
Marketplace Snacks (available through Feb. 26)
DOLE Whip Chocolate and Strawberry: Chocolate soft-serve swirled with DOLE Whip strawberry garnished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry
The Ganachery (available through Feb. 14)
Sweetheart Minnie Piñata: Chocolate sphere filled with marshmallow and chocolate (New)
Ruby Kiss Bon Bons: Kiss-shaped bonbon made from ruby chocolate (New)
Gorgeous Grey Stuff: Red shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies & cream mousse, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Heart-shaped Butter Cookie: Heart-shaped shortbread cookie with strawberry glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Strawberry Sweet Tea: Black Tea with lemon and sweetened with strawberries (available through Mar. 28) (New)
Galactic Grill (available through Mar. 1)
Spicy Nash Chicken Sandwich: Fried breaded chicken breast smothered in house-made Nashville hot-inspired sauce, with bread-and-butter pickle chips, and mayo on a toasted bun served with choice of Greek yogurt or french fries (New)
Galactic Sunrise Slush: Strawberry limeade with a mix of sliced strawberries and purée served with a light-up glow cube (New)
Sweetheart Sundae: Strawberry, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, strawberry sauce, caramel and chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and red sugar sprinkles topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry (New)
Alien Pizza Planet (available through Mar. 1)
SpaceDip Pizza Slice topped with spinach & artichoke dip, chicken, capicola, and assorted cheeses
Tomorrowland Churro and Pretzel Stands (available through Mar. 1)
Valentine Macaron: Red and white macaron and strawberry buttercream filled with strawberry jam and brownie (New)
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
True Love Sundae: Scoops of vanilla and strawberry ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with strawberry sauce, cherry whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered strawberry
Town Square Churro Stand (available Feb. 1 through Mar. 1)
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite (SOLD OUT)
For those Guests visiting for one of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite events, make sure to bring your appetite! Guests will fall in love with these delicious options like the brand-new My answer is…Churro! or the delicious Star-Berry Cheesecake Shake at Galactic Grill. Make sure to add the Ham and Straw-Brie Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to the list to try this unique twist packed with flavor. For a sweet finish, indulge in the Sweetheart Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café.
Disney California Adventure Park
Lamplight Lounge (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
The Love That Lasts a Life Time Sweet Cocktail: Raspberry rum, liqueur, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice, and raspberry purée (New)
The Flame Spicy Cocktail: Raspberry rum, peach schnapps, mango, and raspberry purées with lime juice and firewater bitters (New)
The Ex Sour & Bitter Cocktail: Citron vodka, lemonade, blackberries, agave, and angostura bitters (New)
Valentine Cocktail Flight: The Ex, The Flame & The Love (New)
Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (available through Feb. 14)
“Bee Mine” Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with cute little chocolate bee
Strawberry Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in pink strawberry-flavored chocolate and drizzled with red chocolate
“Bee Mine” Cereal Treat: Heart-shaped cereal treat dipped in red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with a cute little chocolate bee
Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow wand dipped in caramel and dark chocolate drizzled with red and pink chocolate
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled in white chocolate
Milk Chocolate Swirl Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry swirled in milk, white, and dark chocolate
Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa
GCH Holiday Cart (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Mickey Mouse-shaped Valentine’s Cookies
Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Minnie Mouse-shaped Crisped Rice Treats
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Ombre Macarons
Craftsman Bar (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Tuxedo Strawberry: Raspberry rum, dark crème de cacao, strawberry purée, and half and half served “up” in a chocolate-coated martini glass with strawberry garnish
California Crush: Apple whiskey, strawberry purée, lemon, and agave served with a mint sprig and strawberry heart garnish
Love’s Lantern: Citrus vodka, raspberry Liqueur, and lime garnished with edible flowers and a glow cube
Disneyland Hotel
Coffee House (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Red Velvet Cupcake (New)
Sablé Heart Cookie with raspberry filing (New)
Raspberry Mocha (New)
Iced Raspberry Mocha (New)
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Calling all Disney foodie fans! We previously shared the exciting news that select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants were finally returning to operation. After closing its door in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, this favorite Disney Resort restaurant has officially reopened!
Disney is on a reopening roll and we hope it just keeps coming! Disney Park Trams are back in operation, several Disney Resort restaurants are reopening, spa services at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are returning, and exciting entertainment like the date reveal for Magic Kingdom’s “Festival of Fantasy” Parade are all making a comeback.
If you’re a fan of incredible dining, this Walt Disney World restaurant should be on your must-do list. That’s right, it’s time to head on over to the BoardWalk where you’ll find Flying Fish! From some of the best seafood we’ve ever had to the perfectly good steaks, this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk has opened its doors after well over 650 days of being closed.
Disney Cast Members are celebrating the return as well! Walt Disney World Cast and Community took to Facebook on January 27 to share, “Back on the boardwalk! Cast Members are ready to “sea” you at Flying Fish, which reopens today at Disney’s BoardWalk! Congratulations on bringing back another favorite experience for our Guests.”
Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, took to Instagram to share some photos of the reopening with the note, “Flying Fish is back! I was excited to join Culinary Director Lenny DeGeorge, Executive Chefs Andy Larkin and Tony Deluca, Chef Tim Majoras, and the rest of the team as they welcomed their first Guests today. We’re so excited to be opening this back up for our Guests to enjoy. Thanks to our Food & Beverage Cast Members who made it happen and congrats to everyone involved!”
If you’ve never dined at Flying Fish restaurant before, you’ll want to be aware that reservations 60-days in advance are highly recommended, plus, there is a dress code for the Signature Dining experience. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
In other words, this is a Disney signature restaurant that you’ll want to clean up for after a Disney Park day. Go ahead and leave the tank top, flip-flops, and swimsuits back in the Resort room.
Disney describes Flying Fish as “Seasonal Fare, Perfectly Prepared” with “Savor a sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside meals—our menu exudes pure epicurean genius. Step inside and discover a warm, welcoming ambiance that defines luxury dining. Unexpected details—in our impeccable décor and menu—are sure to impress Guests. Each delicious dish is more mouthwatering and visually stunning than the next… we’ve fire-roasted gourmet seafood into fine art.”
“Peer into the open kitchen from your exquisitely set table and watch our master chefs create one culinary masterpiece after another using the freshest ingredients—choose from a variety of succulent specialties that might include perfectly seared scallops and slow-roasted pork belly.”
During dinner, indulge in a diverse selection of handpicked wines chosen to complement the cuisine, as well as our signature cocktails. Be sure to treat your sweet tooth to an assortment of seasonal desserts for an unforgettable mealtime finale!”
The Government of Hawaii is considering changes to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program. Specifically, travelers planning to utilize their vaccine status to receive an exemption to the State of Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine may be required to be up to date on their COVID-19 booster shots. Please continue to stay updated on the latest travel requirements by visiting the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website.
As a reminder, the City & County of Honolulu also requires that all Guests ages 12 and older dining on property provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours. Please stay up to date on any changes to our offerings on the Know Before You Go page at DisneyTravelAgents.com.
Please note that the following Guest letter will be sent to all affected Guests:
Aloha ___(Guest)___,
We are delighted you have chosen to stay with us at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina. We are looking forward to welcoming you soon.
As you prepare for your upcoming trip, please be advised that the Government of Hawaii is considering changes to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program. Specifically, travelers planning to utilize their vaccine status to receive an exemption to the State of Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine may be required to be up to date on their COVID-19 booster shots. Please continue to stay updated on the latest travel requirements by visiting the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website.
As a reminder, the City & County of Honolulu also requires that all guests ages 12 and older dining on property provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours. Please stay up to date on any changes to our offerings on the Know Before You Go page at DisneyAulani.com.
If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact your original booking agent.
If you booked your vacation through a travel agent, please contact your travel agent directly.
All of us at Aulani Resort look forward to your arrival and wish you a truly magical stay!
