Spooky Fun and Merry Magic Await Disney Cruise Line Guests on Halloween and Holiday Cruises in Fall 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

The fun of fall and winter holidays will meet the magic of Disney Cruise Line in late 2024 with the return of Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises. With rare itineraries to Hawaii and the South Pacific and more opportunities to visit Disney’s newest island destination in The Bahamas, families will have the chance to experience the fall seasons at sea in new and exciting ways.

Bookings open to the public on June 26, 2023. Clients that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

  • Pearl Castaway Club Members: Monday, June 19, 2023
  • Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Tuesday, June 20, 2023
  • Gold Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
  • Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Thursday, June 22, 2023
  • Bookings open to all Guests: Monday, June 26, 2023 

Halloween on the High Seas

Halloween on the High Seas returns to Disney Cruise Line in mid-September through October 2024. This season of extra-special sailings will bring the fun of Halloween to guests on select cruises across the fleet with a host of added entertainment. Families will dress up and join Disney characters in their Halloween costumes; dance the night away at a spooky celebration on the upper decks; enjoy spinetingling themed food and beverages; and immerse themselves in a ghostly ship takeover with elaborate décor and a magical Pumpkin Tree.

From Port Canaveral, Florida, the Disney Wish will sail three- and four-night Bahamian voyages full of frightful fun, while the Disney Fantasy will offer these special themed cruises with lengths varying from four, six and seven nights. Four- and six-night sailings on board the Disney Fantasy will take families to The Bahamas, while seven-night escapes will transport guests to fan-favorite destinations throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean.

The Disney Magic will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on vacations ranging from three to five nights to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean. Select sailings on both the Disney Magic and the Disney Fantasy will include a chance for families to discover fun and relaxation at Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination in The Bahamas. Located on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, this vibrant beach retreat will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.

Very Merrytime Cruises

From mid-November through December 2024, the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be decked from bow to stern with holiday cheer and entertainment during Very Merrytime Cruises. Holiday magic will be unwrapped for the whole family with joyful holiday décor; favorite characters in their finest festive attire; themed activities that are merry and bright; and celebrations on deck that are full of holiday spirit.

Families who want to spend the most wonderful time of the year with Disney Cruise Line will have opportunities to sail from two home ports in Florida, as well as a selection of cruises from Galveston, Texas. 

Short holiday getaways will be offered from both home ports in the Sunshine State, with a selection of three- and four-night Bahamian Very Merrytime voyages on the Disney Wish from Port Canaveral and four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale aboard the Disney Dream. 

The Disney Fantasy will also embark a variety of four-night Very Merrytime sailings to The Bahamas, along with longer six- and seven-night itineraries in November and December. Select voyages on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will include a day of fun in the sun along the white sand beaches of Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination at Lighthouse Point during the holiday season.  

Cheerful cruises from Galveston aboard the Disney Magic will range in length from four to six nights, allowing families to celebrate the holiday season together while visiting tropical ports of call throughout the Caribbean. 

Special Sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific

In addition to the festive themed sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience bucket-list itineraries in late 2024. The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu. From Hawaii, the Disney Wonder will embark on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take families through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.

Disney Cruise Line will then set sail on its second season of vacations from Australia and New Zealand, bringing the magic of Disney close to home for local families in the region. 

Disney Shuts Down Multiple Movies Amid Hollywood Strike

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Some of the most highly-anticipated new Disney movies have been shut down.

The Walt Disney Company is known for being a media giant and producing some of the most beloved films and television shows of all-time. Disney is home to several different studios and branches of entertainment, including Disney Pixar, Walt Disney Animation, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, ABC, ESPN, 20th Century Studios, and much more.

Mickey Mouse

Though the brand has developed a cult-like following from many, that hasn’t stopped Disney from being in the midst of several controversies. The last two animated Disney movies to be released, Pixar’s Lightyear and Disney’s Strange World, were both met with several controversies, leading to them becoming massive box office bombs. Disney has been forced to lay off thousands of employees and executives due to budgeting problems, including the Director of Pixar’s Lightyear film, Angus MacLane.

Now, Disney is in the midst of another controversy, but this time it’s not with fans. It’s with writers.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) — representing 11,500 writers — and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has been on strike since May 2, 2023. Writers have demanded better pay from their studios, and this has led to several shows and major movies being put on hold, shut down, or even canceled. Though the Directors Guild of America just recently reached a deal, the WGA is entering its sixth week of being on strike, and no deals have been reported as of yet.

Amid the strike, Disney has been forced to shut down several projects. Disney Dining recently covered that Spider-Man 4 had been shut down indefinitely. Tom Holland, the actor who plays Spider-Man / Peter Parker, confirmed this in an interview, where he shared that the meetings had been paused.

“I can’t talk about that, but I can say that we have been having meetings,” he said. “We’ve put the meetings on pause in solidarity with the writers…There’s been multiple conversations had, but at this point, it’s very, very early stages.”

Now, it’s been confirmed that three more projects have been shut down due to the ongoing strike.

tom holland as peter parker/spider-man

Marvel Studios has shut down Mahersala Ali’s Blade, Thunderbolts, and the anticipated Disney+ series Wonder Man. Both Blade and Thunderbolts were anticipated films expected to be a part of the MCU’s Phase 5.

Thunderbolts was initially set to be released in July of 2024, but the strike could push the film to the later portion of the year or even into 2025, depending on how long the strike continues before the studios and writers come to an agreement.

Disney Finally Breaks Silence, Reveals Johnny Depp’s Future as Captain Jack Sparrow

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Johnny Depp may not be done as Captain Jack Sparrow, after all.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has served as a $4.5 billion money-maker for The Walt Disney Company. The franchise, which has five total movies, has all starred Johnny Depp as the lead protagonist, alongside others like Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann Turner) and Orlando Bloom (Will Turner). The last film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2017, and a lot has happened since then.

Disney reportedly turned its back on Johnny Depp amid allegations from his ex-wife Amber Heard saying that the actor had physically and emotionally abused her. The ex-couple underwent two different defamation trials, one in the U.K. and then one in the United States. The defamation trial in the United States concluded last summer and resulted in a resounding victory for Mr Depp over Ms Heard. Though Amber Heard vowed to appeal the decision, she eventually settled with Johnny Depp outside of court, paying the actor $1 million this past December.

Some fans have held out hope that Johnny Depp would return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but the actor revealed during the defamation trial that he wouldn’t return to Disney “for $300 million,” and he has since moved to Europe and is exploring both his music and acting career overseas, with a new movie titled Jeanne Du Barry that was just released at the Cannes Film Festival a couple of weeks ago.

Of course, the elephant in the room has been the question of a reunion. Even though neither side has come out and said that they want to reunite, they both understand that fans want to see it happen. Johnny Depp has made appearances for select fans using his Captain Jack Sparrow persona, but there’s a big difference between bringing out the character every now and then, and actually returning to Disney for a movie.

johnny depp captain jack sparrow

Disney has finally broken the silence on what we could expect in the future for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, including Johnny Depp’s status.

In an interview with the New York Times, Disney Studios Motion Picture Production President Sean Bailey shared that they are excited about the next stages of the franchise.

“We think we have a really good, exciting story that honors the films that have come before but also has something new to say,” he said.

When asked about the status of Johnny Depp for the film, Bailey said that Disney was “noncommittal at this point.”

This is an interesting phrase from Disney, to say the least. The comments do not close the door on a potential return, but they also don’t point to anything guaranteed at this point. Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared in the past that Disney had developed two scripts, neither of which would likely involve Johnny Depp, but that’s to say that the story couldn’t be adjusted or changed, if the two parties were to come to an agreement in the future.

DeSantis Administration Makes Changes

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via InsideTheMagic.net

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seemingly grasping at straws to save his reputation as his board undergoes a drastic change while his conflict against The Walt Disney Company continues.

Whether we like it or not, it is nearly impossible to separate Walt Disney World and Ron DeSantis from one another, especially after the two have been involved in a heated legal battle for over a year, which was triggered by Disney’s refusal to support the Florida Governor’s divisive Parental Rights in Education law, set in motion in early 2022.

With lawsuits flying back and forth, extreme motions being filed, and a ridiculous amount of spite, it seems like the conflict is far from over. And while DeSantis has been blasted by members of his own party, mocking him for being “out-negotiated by Mickey Mouse,” even receiving critics from former President Donald Trump, the Governor stubbornly refuses to let go of the conflict.

One of the most recent developments involved Michael Sasso’s resignation from DeSantis’ Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — as DeSantis renamed Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District — Board of Supervisors, which was unexpected after Sasso was appointed by Ron DeSantis himself.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on stage

However, DeSantis was quick to fill the position Sasso left behind, appointing the Vice President of the Federalist Society Charbel Barakat to the to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The heavily charged change to DeSantis’ Board was announced, and while the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, polarized reactions to the news are sure to be expected.

It’s no surprise that Governor DeSantis appointed one of the lead members of a private conservative organization to support him during his crusade against Disney, as he recently announced his bid for presidency.

While DeSantis takes pride in going toe to toe against business he deems “woke,” his year-long feud against Disney might finally be the proof that he bit more than he could chew, as The Walt Disney Company continues to put up a fight after every blow.

DeSantis’ office states the following when describing Barakat:

Barakat, of Tampa, is the Regional General Counsel for D.R. Horton, Inc. He currently serves as a Commissioner for the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission and serves on the Florida Development Finance Corporation. Barakat is Vice President of the Federalist Society for the Tampa Bay Chapter and Chairman of the Volume Builders Council for the Florida Home Builders Association. Barakat earned his bachelor’s degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins University and his juris doctor from New York University School of Law.

Five Countries and Three New Itineraries Added to National Geographic Expeditions Portfolio in 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Travelers will soon have more exciting destinations and countries to explore with National Geographic Expeditions. Beginning in 2024, three new itineraries spanning five countries will be added to the leading global travel portfolio, all featuring the incredible access, deep knowledge and extraordinary storytelling that only National Geographic can provide. Travelers will be inspired by the insights, beauty, landscapes and architecture as they discover the wonders of the world. 

The new Signature Land trips visit Bhutan, Colombia and the Baltics. These group-guided itineraries will provide an enriching, in-depth look at the history, cultures and natural heritage of each destination. Each Signature Land trip is hosted by a National Geographic Expert who provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. With specialties such as filmmaking, conservation, photography, archaeology, geography and many more, the Experts who travel on Signature Land expeditions are passionate storytellers who have a close connection to National Geographic, and their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.

Bookings for all three itineraries will open on June 13, 2023, with early booking for the following travelers:

  • June 7 – Lifelong Explorers
  • June 9 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
  • June 12 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
  • June 13 – Bookings open for general public

Additionally, travelers interested in booking a vacation in 2024 with National Geographic Expeditions can also save with an early booking offer! Book before Sept. 5, 2023 and save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries and $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries.

Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology

The remote kingdom of Bhutan welcomes travelers to experience the wonders of its dramatic landscapes and storied cities. An exploration of this Buddhist kingdom found on the Himalayas’ eastern edge is filled with a rich and unique culture and reflects its commitment to tradition, the environment and the happiness of its people. The 11-day, 10- night itinerary includes visiting much of Bhutan through major destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley.

Highlights of the expedition include: 

  • Unparalleled access: dining with Bhutanese dignitaries such as business professionals and government officials who will engage with guests and provide insights on everyday life in Bhutan and, a meet and greet with a Buddhist scholar and a privately guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
  • Architectural wonders: touring Punakha Dzong to learn and appreciate Bhutanese architecture and visiting the golden Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Divine Mad Monk Monastery.
  • Cultural immersion: enjoying hands-on experiences such as participating in the butter lamp lighting tradition and lessons in the national sport of archery.

Renowned medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has been confirmed as one of the National Geographic Experts slated to join select Bhutan departures. Dunham has lived in Nepal studying Buddhism for the past 30 years. She is an avid storyteller with a focus on environmental conservation related to sacred spaces of Southeast Asia. Dunham has authored four books exploring the feminine divine in South Asian history and culture, and she has also produced more than a dozen films for National Geographic and others on topics ranging from Living Goddesses to polyandry, nomadism and geology.

There are five Bhutan departure dates in 2024 beginning in March and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.

Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past

Travelers will dive into a nine-day, eight-night tour through beautiful landscapes of Colombia from the mountains to the beaches. They will embark on a journey across Bogota, the Cocora Valley, Pereira, Santa Marta and through Tayrona National Park and Barranquilla to make their way to Cartagena.

Highlights of the expedition include:

  • Insider experiences: visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas, which was proclaimed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
  • Inspiration from the past and the present: exploring the archaeological ruins of Taironaka, learning about the modern-day Kogi people or being immersed in the music and traditions of the celebrated Barranquilla Carnaval.
  • Delicious journeys: sampling local delicacies and savoring the flavors of the coffee region while learning how Colombia became one of the most popular coffee exporters in the world.
  • Spectacular wildlife: hiking through the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley or gazing in wonder at the endemic species of birds and mammals found in Tayrona National Park.

National Geographic Explorer Rosa Vásquez Espinoza has been confirmed as one of the Experts set to join select Colombia departures. Chemical biologist, educator, conservationist and TV personality, Espinoza travels to the most extreme ecosystems of the planet searching for the tiniest creatures, from heat-loving microbes to Amazonian stingless bees. She is passionate about driving awareness for conservation.

There are six Colombia departure dates in 2024 beginning in January and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.

The Baltics: Enchanted Forests and Medieval Castles

The Baltics are classified as one geographic region, yet it consists of three distinct countries sitting on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Travelers will visit all three countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes each region unique, from language, traditions and beyond. The 11-day, 10-night itinerary will take travelers across destinations such as Vilnius, the Curonian Spit, Klaipeda, Riga, Sigulda, Gauja National Park and Tallinn.

Highlights of the expedition include: 

  • History brought to life: delving into medieval times during privately guided excursions to Cesis Castle and Gusmanas Caves and more recent history of World War II and the Soviet Era during guided visits to the Ninth Fort, Hill of Crosses and Maajamae Palace. Each experience showcases how these countries changed over time and were influenced by foreign occupations.
  • Cultural preservation: cruising along the UNESCO recognized Curonian Spit or venturing through the UNESCO celebrated Old Town Centers of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
  • A taste of the destination: touring a local market in Riga and seeing — and trying — the local ingredients that make up Latvian cuisine. 

Photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen has been confirmed as one of the Experts slated to join select Baltics departures. With adventures taking him to more than 60 countries around the world, Mauritzen’s photography has appeared in dozens of National Geographic books, several National Geographic Traveler magazine articles and on the @natgeotravel Instagram account. 

There are four Baltics departure dates in 2024 beginning in May and extending through October. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.