When Walt Disney brought Mickey Mouse to life in 1928 with the release of the short animated film Steamboat Willie, the world fell in love. This moment was huge for the Walt Disney Company; everything changed at that moment.
Now, decades later, Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie still have millions of fans. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a Disney theme Park without Mickey, and Steamboat Willie stands as a symbol of Disney’s legacy of innovation and creativity. However, Steamboat Willie has not had much exposure within the Disney Parks.
Now, fans of this loveable short will be thrilled to know that an all-new Steamboat WillieSplash Pad will be coming to a Disney Resort this fall.
Right now, Disney Parks are undergoing some massive transformations. Tons of new rides, attractions, and additions have come in 2023. Another big change is coming this fall with the opening of the new Disney Vacation Club property at Disneyland Resort. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is going to be an incredible and innovative new space to vacation. Here, Guests will be able to enjoy the adorable new property and all of its cool design elements.
For many Disney fans, a break day spent at the pool is essential. Luckily for Guests of The Villas, the pool area will not disappoint. Disney invites Guests “to bask in the California sun in the brand-new Palette Pool area, an inviting oasis designed for relaxation and play.”
The Steamboat Willie splash pad is sailing in! 🌊 ✨ Learn more about the inviting oasis coming to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, featuring this whimsical splash pad which transforms from black and white to vivid colors at night. Details: https://t.co/CqHot0d2bopic.twitter.com/ZE0MZpiBQ5
The area will feature the Palette Pool, Palm Breeze Bar, and an incredible new Steamboat Willie-themed splash pad. The new splash pad is fully black and white and shows Mickey Mouse in his original form. This new attraction is totally unique, and something unlike Disney fans have ever seen before. Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy this pool when it opens with The Villas on September 28, 2023.
In our recent announcement of new Adventures by Disney destinations beginning in 2024, the stunning Eastern Maritimes of Canada are sure to be a guest favorite! This new departure to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which is available to book now, is full of natural beauty and outdoor activities for the entire family.
In our recent announcement of new Adventures by Disney destinations beginning in 2024, the stunning Eastern Maritimes of Canada are sure to be a guest favorite! This new departure to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which is available to book now, is full of natural beauty and outdoor activities for the entire family.
Let’s take a closer look into what guests will experience.
Adventure Begins in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, located on the east coast and almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, is home to three national parks and is known for its historical appeal. Upon arriving in Halifax, just one look out the airplane window and guests will immediately transported to vacation mode. The magnificent ocean and the lush landscape give a peek into what guests will experience over the next eight days.
This land adventure begins at the Sugar Moon Farm and tasting authentic maple syrup tapped on site. Guests will learn the process that takes this deliciousness from tree to table.
The Charm of Prince Edward Island
The adventure next features a picturesque ferry ride to Prince Edward Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence – meaning endless beaches and fresh sea air. The stunning white shingled tower and red iron lantern of the Wood Islands Lighthouse, built in 1876, are striking contrasts against the beautiful blue skies. Local guides will lead a tour and share the history of the lighthouse, plus guests will learn about the area’s sea life and sea glass which support the area’s aquatic ecosystem.
Junior Adventures will have their own kite making and flying activity on the shore, and it will be a beautiful site to watch the sea breeze carry the kites high in the sky.
Fans of the “Anne of Green Gables” stories will recognize Avonlea Village, the fictitious name author Lucy Maud Montgomery gave to Cavendish. Here, guests will explore the historic buildings and visit the museum dedicated to the noted author and the schoolhouse where she taught. Avonlea Village is dotted with replications of houses and shops from the time of the novels. Guests can even opt to roll up their sleeves to plant and dig potatoes, take a carriage ride, and have tea with a descendant of her family.
The Confederation Bridge, an Engineering Marvel
En route to the mainland, guests will stop at the Confederation Bridge, a magnificent display of Canadian engineering, before embarking on a relaxing boat cruise on the calm waters of Shediac Bay. An expert in lobstering will share about sustainable and responsible fishing practices, followed by lunch onboard.
More fun awaits at the Funday Bay (pun intended!). During low tide, guests will embark on a privately guided tour of the open ocean floor and hear stories about the origin of Hopewell Rocks Park. At Hopewell Rocks, select from a variety of activities, such as kayaking, horseback riding, or bike riding followed by canoeing. Not to be missed is watching high tide come in that evening. And be sure to look up after sunset to see a beautiful star-filled sky.
Let’s Explore Halifax
Our next stop is the Millbrook Cultural Center to learn about the Mi’kmaq people, their traditions and ceremonies, and the significance of the Talking Stick. Historically and culturally, the Talking Stick is a tool to keep order and teach respect for others. Guests will even select their own stick to take home and personalize it with accessories such as beads, paint and feathers.
The final day of this inspiring trip will include exploring the Trans-Canada Trail and hiking along the renovated railway trail. Adventures by Disney itineraries also have built-in on-your-own time for guests to dine, shop or explore the region like locals.
Following the morning and early afternoon activities, everyone will gather for a sailing on a 130-foot schooner called the M/S Silva. The tall ship, constructed in the 1930s, will sail through Halifax Harbour with views of historical landmarks and beautiful scenery. The farewell dinner is in a restored 1800s warehouse converted into a nautical-themed pub. Celtic entertainment and a hearty, authentic Nova Scotia meal will leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime.
As with every Adventures by Disney trip, our Disney-trained Adventures Guides lead every step of the way and take care of all the details, ensuring a fun-filled, hassle-free vacation. They even plan activities for the Junior Adventures (younger guests)!
Let’s take a closer look into what guests will experience.
Adventure Begins in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, located on the east coast and almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, is home to three national parks and is known for its historical appeal. Upon arriving in Halifax, just one look out the airplane window and guests will immediately transported to vacation mode. The magnificent ocean and the lush landscape give a peek into what guests will experience over the next eight days.
This land adventure begins at the Sugar Moon Farm and tasting authentic maple syrup tapped on site. Guests will learn the process that takes this deliciousness from tree to table.
The Charm of Prince Edward Island
The adventure next features a picturesque ferry ride to Prince Edward Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence – meaning endless beaches and fresh sea air. The stunning white shingled tower and red iron lantern of the Wood Islands Lighthouse, built in 1876, are striking contrasts against the beautiful blue skies. Local guides will lead a tour and share the history of the lighthouse, plus guests will learn about the area’s sea life and sea glass which support the area’s aquatic ecosystem.
Junior Adventures will have their own kite making and flying activity on the shore, and it will be a beautiful site to watch the sea breeze carry the kites high in the sky.
Fans of the “Anne of Green Gables” stories will recognize Avonlea Village, the fictitious name author Lucy Maud Montgomery gave to Cavendish. Here, guests will explore the historic buildings and visit the museum dedicated to the noted author and the schoolhouse where she taught. Avonlea Village is dotted with replications of houses and shops from the time of the novels. Guests can even opt to roll up their sleeves to plant and dig potatoes, take a carriage ride, and have tea with a descendant of her family.
The Confederation Bridge, an Engineering Marvel
En route to the mainland, guests will stop at the Confederation Bridge, a magnificent display of Canadian engineering, before embarking on a relaxing boat cruise on the calm waters of Shediac Bay. An expert in lobstering will share about sustainable and responsible fishing practices, followed by lunch onboard.
More fun awaits at the Funday Bay (pun intended!). During low tide, guests will embark on a privately guided tour of the open ocean floor and hear stories about the origin of Hopewell Rocks Park. At Hopewell Rocks, select from a variety of activities, such as kayaking, horseback riding, or bike riding followed by canoeing. Not to be missed is watching high tide come in that evening. And be sure to look up after sunset to see a beautiful star-filled sky.
Let’s Explore Halifax
Our next stop is the Millbrook Cultural Center to learn about the Mi’kmaq people, their traditions and ceremonies, and the significance of the Talking Stick. Historically and culturally, the Talking Stick is a tool to keep order and teach respect for others. Guests will even select their own stick to take home and personalize it with accessories such as beads, paint and feathers.
The final day of this inspiring trip will include exploring the Trans-Canada Trail and hiking along the renovated railway trail. Adventures by Disney itineraries also have built-in on-your-own time for guests to dine, shop or explore the region like locals.
Following the morning and early afternoon activities, everyone will gather for a sailing on a 130-foot schooner called the M/S Silva. The tall ship, constructed in the 1930s, will sail through Halifax Harbour with views of historical landmarks and beautiful scenery. The farewell dinner is in a restored 1800s warehouse converted into a nautical-themed pub. Celtic entertainment and a hearty, authentic Nova Scotia meal will leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime.
As with every Adventures by Disney trip, our Disney-trained Adventures Guides lead every step of the way and take care of all the details, ensuring a fun-filled, hassle-free vacation. They even plan activities for the Junior Adventures (younger guests)!
“The Happiest Place on Earth” can quickly become the most tiring place on Earth. A Disney day is full of magic, laughter, and fun, but it is exhausting! Going from ride to ride with little break in between is enough to wear out even the most fit.
An average day at Disneyland includes up to 9 miles of walking. A long day (rope drop to Park close) could easily see up to 13 miles. That’s easily more than the average person walks on a typical day, so it’s not surprising that exhaustion sets in when the fireworks end.
For one man, the day proved to be too much. A rest on a bench quickly became a nap on a bench at Disneyland’s entrance toward the end of the night. A crowd gathered around him, including one very special visitor.
Mickey Mouse showed up to try and see if he could wake the sleeping guest. All decked out in his Disney100 finest, Mickey slowly approached the guest who had sprawled out on a bench to catch a quick nap. Mickey tapped him several times, but the guest was completely out.
Eventually, Mickey gave up and let the sleeping man rest, motioning that the poor guy probably needed a break and sending him “heart hands.”
He even turned to the crowd and motioned for them to be quiet.
This is one magical experience this guest won’t remember. One TokToker said, “Even the baby is laughing,” referring to a baby that can be heard in the background laughing at Mickey’s antics. With so many bad things occurring in the world, and even in Disney Parks, this is the sort of heartwarming wholesomeness we need right now!
Disneyland Resort is known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” However, some Disneyland Guests who have become known as “Disney Karens” try and ruin it for all. Disneyland Resort, located in California, is a renowned and beloved entertainment destination. It encompasses two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, as well as various hotels, dining options, and entertainment venues. Guests come from far and far to spot Sleeping Beauty Castle or see Mickey Mouse himself.
With thousands of Guests heading to Disney Parks daily, emotions, attitudes, and much more tend to change throughout the day. Guests have been seen fighting, yelling, breaking Disney rules and much more. Recently at Disney World, a bloody brawl broke out in front of the Train station. Guests caught fighting at either Disney Park will be removed from the Parks, or even banned for life. Guests have abandoned children at Disney Parks, or had children taken away from them.
This “Karen” seen in a TikTok goes viral after she is seen yelling at other Guests on a Disneyland tram. In this video, one Guest yells, “This is not six flags.” Disney Cast Members were heard telling Guests they could not pull off until they settle down.
Disney Security got involved and can be seen talking to this Disney Guest. Guest were chanting, “Get her off.” Sadly this video does not show what happens next. One would think after she yelled at Disney security, that she was removed from the Tram. The trams remained shut down until the altercation was handled.
Disney Cast Members and Disney Security do their best to keep Disney Parks clean, safe, and a magical location for Guests. Disney World is well-equipped to handle challenging Guests and has trained its cast members to remain calm and professional in such situations. They are trained to address Guest concerns while upholding the rules and policies of the park. In extreme cases, disruptive individuals may be escorted out of the park by security.
Disney officials have canceled a $1 billion project that was previously set for Walt Disney World Resort.
Known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Walt Disney World Resort welcomes millions of Guests to its four theme parks– Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom– as well as the Disney Spring shopping and dining district, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is currently closed for refurbishment but is expected to reopen later this year.
Disney has also been at the forefront of expansion. TRON Lightcycle / Run just opened at Magic Kingdom Park, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open in the place of Splash Mountain in “late 2024.” In addition, Disney has already teased major expansions coming to Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but nothing has been confirmed.
Over the last several months, however, Disney has been in battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis amid disputes over the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney spoke in opposition to the Parental Rights in Education bill last year, and has since come under fire from the Florida government over its self-governing abilities in Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney recently filed a lawsuit against Ron DeSantis and the governor’s newly-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board filed a counter lawsuit against Disney. Though The Walt Disney Company has filed for the lawsuit to be dismissed, neither of the complaints has moved forward in court yet.
Now, in the midst of these complaints, Disney has decided to pull one major project out of Florida.
Reporter Scott Gustin shared the news that, in an email to staff, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed the massive $1 billion expansion would not happen.
NEW: In an email to staff, Josh D'Amaro says the company decided "not to move forward with construction" of the Lake Nona campus.
The Lake Nona Campus was originally set to house Walt Disney Imagineers, but the project has now been pulled out of the state of Florida. Disney shared in the email that it will no longer be asking employees to relocate to Florida. In addition, the company said it will help pull out those employees who moved from California to Florida in preparation for the project and assist them in moving out of the state and back to California.
Josh D’Amaro did share that Disney “remains optimistic” about the direction of the Walt Disney World business and that the company still has plans to invest $17 billion and create more than 13,000 jobs over the next 10 years at Walt Disney World, finishing by saying, “I hope we are able to do so.”
The full memo from Josh D’Amaro can be read here, from reporter Scott Gustin:
An update from Governor Ron DeSantis shares the statement from the Florida governor on Disney’s decision. You can read it below:
NEW: Press office for @GovRonDeSantis responds to Disney canceling Lake Nona:
"Given the company’s financial straits, falling market cap, and declining stock price, it is unsurprising that they would restructure their business operations and cancel unsuccessful ventures.” pic.twitter.com/Pf15IB8tfT
