On Monday night, I went to Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I arrived around 7pm to get my wristband, lanyard, and park map. I was able to ride Star Tours, Rise of the Resistance, and Smugglers Run before 8:30pm. Once the party started, I went on Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Mania.

I went to the 9:45pm showing of Holidays in Hollywood. Kermit and Miss Piggy were hilarious, Mickey and Minnie were adorable, and it was amazing to see Belle singing “As Long As There’s Christmas” in her Christmas dress. After the show, I got Kermit’s Frozen Banana Bliss, a banana and caramel shake with matcha whipped cream. It was very sweet and the combination of flavors was unique. It might not be for everyone, but I liked it!

I went on Rise again using the virtual queue, and there was no wait to get on the ride. I ate dinner at PizzeRizzo; I got the olive and goat cheese flatbread.

I saw What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along at 11:30pm. Jack was very tall and impressive to see up-close. I also liked seeing Oogie Boogie!

I bought the Santa Gertie Cookie as a midnight snack and it was a tasty sugar cookie! I spotted Santa Duffy the Disney Bear and Phineas in the Echo Lake area.

At the end of the night, it was time to watch the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! fireworks show. It had been several years since I watched this show, and I was dancing along to the holiday songs. As I left the park, I received a set of Jollywood Nights drink coasters.

Overall, I had a great time. I think the price tag is high ($150 with my passholder discount). Next year if the offerings are the same, I am more likely to go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. Still, it was great to have low wait times for rides and see new shows.

Yesterday I went to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival! I arrived around 1:20pm.

I bought this cute annual passholder Figment pin at Pin Traders.

I went to The Seas to visit my favorite manatees. Here is a picture of Lou waiting patiently for some lettuce.

My first stop at a food booth was Ireland in the UK Pavilion. I got the warm chocolate pudding cake, which was moist and tasted very good.

The second snack I bought was the three cheese beignet from the France Pavilion. This is another returning favorite of the festival.

New for this year, the Impossible Moussaka at the Greece booth was very tasty! I’m happy to see vegetarian options during the festival.

One of most interesting new additions this year is the Pickle Milkshake! The Odyssey has been turned into the Brew-Wing Lab featuring Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker from The Muppets. It tastes almost like a Shamrock Shake, but with a slight pickle flavor. I enjoyed drinking it, but would recommend splitting it with a friend because it is quite sweet.

Creations has Halloween merchandise, and this Grogu in a pumpkin was my favorite!

Mariachi Cobre was performing inside the Mexico Pavilion. I’m glad they were in the air conditioning, because it was extremely humid outside.

I saw The Fray as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. They sang their hits including “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me.”

Disneyland announced that Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will reopen on July 25. The ride will have new paint, coral, and seaweed, along with enhanced lighting and special effects. Another addition to the attraction is Hank from Finding Dory.

The teaser trailer for Hocus Pocus 2 was released. The film will be available to stream on Disney+ on September 30.

Baymax! was released on Disney+ on June 29.

The new Disney Wish cruise ship was christened on June 29. Its maiden voyage will sail on July 14.

Flavors of Florida is returning to Disney Springs from July 5 through August 14. Check out Disney Parks Blog for a foodie guide.

Shanghai Disneyland reopened on June 30.

Splash Mountain will be reimagined into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening in late 2024.  Princess Tiana, Naveen and Louis will lead guests through the bayou toward a Mardi Gras celebration. The ride will have original music inspired by songs from The Princess and the Frog.

Yesterday I arrived at EPCOT around 4:30pm. It was a hot and sunny day, around 91 degrees Fahrenheit. I got in line for Soarin’ and waited about 25 minutes.

I went to the Flavor Full Kitchen food booth and bought the corn on the cob with a garlic spread.

At the booth in France, I got the caramelized beignet and mimosa.

I had the Italian Margarita from the festival booth in Italy. It tasted like refreshing lemonade.

The potato pancakes with applesauce from the Germany booth are a returning favorite snack for me from the past year.

I walked over to the America Gardens Theatre to see Plain White Ts. This was my first time seeing them perform live! I have been a fan of their music since 2007. I saw their first set at 5:30pm and second at 6:45pm. They played several songs including Hey There Delilah, Rhythm of Love, and a new song called Fired Up.

I looked for new merchandise in the pin store and saw the Ms. Marvel MagicBand.

I left the park around 7:40pm. Leave a comment below if you are going to the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival this year!

Yesterday I went to EPCOT to check out the Festival of the Arts! Between the food, artwork, and music, there’s something for everyone.

A piece of the Star Blaster ship in front of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was installed yesterday! The roller coaster will be opening in Summer 2022.

The first festival booth I went to was The Donut Box. Jarod and I split the chocolate-dipped donut. The donut itself was pretty dry, but the chocolate buttercream was sweet and delicious.

The next stop was the Pastoral Palate booth in Germany. Jarod ate the beef short rib, and I got the opera cake.

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina had a lot of colorful options. I got the passion fruit mousse and passion fruit daiquiri. They were both very good! Jarod ordered the empanada, but said the aioli was too hot. If you like spicy food, you might enjoy it!

The Symphony in Chocolate Flight from The Artist’s Table is a returning favorite of the festival. I enjoyed all three flavors; I think the strawberry was my favorite.

I went to a Disney on Broadway Concert Series show that began at 5:30 pm. The performers were Heidi Blickenstaff and Robert Creighton. They sang songs from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Freaky Friday, and Frozen.

The last food stop of the day was L’Art de la Cuisine Française in France. Jarod and I each had a cheesy bread bowl, and split a molten chocolate cake. For us, this is an annual tradition during Festival of the Arts! Both items were worth the 15 minute line.

As I left the park, I was able to watch the new projection show on Spaceship Earth. Hearing The Muppets sing “Rainbow Connection” was a nice way to end the day. Are you visiting the Festival of the Arts at EPCOT this year? Leave a comment below!

I went to Universal Orlando on Tuesday to get the holiday experience once again! It was definitely crowded, and parking my car took a long time.

First, I watched the Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular. It’s a tradition for me to see it at least once a year now.

You have to love a show with a cute dog! The performers did a great job.

Next, I watched the Frog Choir perform Christmas songs in Hogsmeade.

On my way over to the other park, I checked out Mistletoe Pines. It is a small walkthrough area of City Walk selling snacks, drinks, and holiday merchandise.

The entrance to Universal Studios is decorated for Christmas once again!

I ran into a King Julien dance party in the New York area.

I went to the Holiday Tribute Store. I bought the Gingerbread cookie from this room.

I found Earl the Squirrel sitting in the very tall Christmas tree, wearing a plaid hat.

I watched Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. The balloons were flying low to the ground.

My favorite balloon in the parade is the Nutcracker.

I had to end the night with a viewing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. The projection show is about 6 minutes long.

This morning, D23 presented a live broadcast from the Destination D23 convention at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The name of the panel was Connections: A Look at the Future of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Josh D’Amaro took the stage and announced that the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris will begin on March 6, 2022. There will be new costumes for Mickey and Friends. A new, limited time castle show will debut. “Disney Stars of Parade” and “Disney Illuminations” will be brought back. Also, Avengers Campus will open in Summer 2022.

Fantasy Springs in Tokyo DisneySea will open in about 2 years.

At Shanghai Disney Resort, the 5th anniversary will be a “Year of Magical Surprises.” A Zootopia-themed land will have audio animatronic figures. We got a sneak peek of Yax the yak.

The Disney Wish cruise ship will premiere two new stage shows. “Disney Seas the Adventure” follows Goofy as he discovers his inner captain with the help of Captain Minnie and other Disney and Pixar characters.   

“The Little Mermaid” is a reimagining of the classic Disney film with a modern take on a young woman learning the power of her voice. The show will feature special effects and a reimagined script and score.

At Disneyland’s Toontown land, there will be new play areas and grassy spaces. The Toontown hills are coming back as well.

Bhavna Mistry talked about a new tower for the Disneyland Hotel. The theme is based on Disney animation, and the rooms were inspired by art for the film Sleeping Beauty.

Disney Publishing will release a new book series based on the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.

EPCOT will open a new quick-service restaurant, Connections Café and Eatery.

Glenn Close will reprise her role of Nova Prime for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The new coaster at EPCOT will open in Summer 2022!

Josh D’Amaro gave us a sneak peek of lightsaber training and the bridge of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

MagicBand+ and the “Hey, Disney!” voice assistant are coming to Disneyland Resort in 2022.

Disney Imagineers are working on a full-body exoskeleton system called “Project EXO.” 

More entertainment offerings are being brought back to Disney Parks. The Main Street Electrical Parade, World of Color, and Fantasmic are returning to the Disneyland Resort. At Walt Disney World, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will reopen in December 2021. Fantasmic and the Festival of Fantasy parade are coming back. There will be an updated stage show called Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire for the 50th anniversary.

Which announcement are you most excited about? Leave a comment below!

Today I went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrate Disney+ Day! I was able to enter the park around 8:30 am. A cast member gave me a free Disney+ Day button and pin.

There were markers on the ground, and camera crews filming Mickey and Minnie.

The video screen by the Hyperion Theater was changed for Disney+ Day.

Moana was hanging out by the Indiana Jones Stunt Show! She even taught guests some dance moves.

Tiana looked beautiful in a green flapper dress. She was chatting with Walt Disney World Ambassadors Ali and Raevon.

Carl, Dug, and Russell from Up posed for photos near The Hollywood Brown Derby.

Dug has the best ears of the bunch for hearing squirrels.

Watching Santa’s Merry Motorcade go by was a lot of fun!

Darth Vader appeared with 2 stormtroopers and tried to convince the crowd to join the dark side!

Unfortunately I had to leave around noon and missed the Disney+ Day parade starring Mickey and Friends, so that’s all from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Did you go to a Disney park today? Leave a comment below!

I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando. This was my second year attending, after 2019.

The first house I went through was Beetlejuice. The sets of this house were quite similar to the movie, and it was more fun than scary.

Next I waited about 30 minutes in line for The Haunting of Hill House. I had just finished watching the show on Netflix. This house was loud and made me jump several times.

I stopped at Twisted Tater to buy the garlic parmesan potatoes. They were more crispy than last year, and tasted more like potato chips. I also got the Ghoul Juice, which was a mango rum drink.

After eating, I went to Wicked Growth: Realm of the Pumpkin. It was a scary house, but I wish I knew the storyline better.

I saw the 8 pm showing of Halloween Nightmare Fuel, a stage show. There were magic tricks, performances with fire, and acrobatics. The music really matched what was happening onstage, and the whole crowd enjoyed it!

Next it was time for two houses in a row, Revenge of the Tooth Fairy and HHN Icons: Captured. These both had a wait time around 25 minutes.

Lights, Camera, Haction: Eddie’s Revenge was the scare zone located in the Hollywood area.

Near the exit, the 30 Years 30 Fears scare zone had a pumpkin head guy and actors on stilts.

If you like haunted houses, you should check out Halloween Horror Nights. This year, it is running until October 31.

I went to EPCOT on Wednesday for a passholder preview of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It was raining that day, but I was excited to go on the ride!

The posted wait time was 30 minutes, but I only waited about 20 minutes. The queue went back and forth outside under an awning before going indoors.

Inside, Chef Gusteau intermittently talks to guests. I grabbed a pair of 3D glasses near the entrance to the vehicles.

My rat vehicle looked just like Remy and had two rows with three seats across each. I don’t want to spoil the ride, but there were several 4D sensory effects and I had a lot of fun!

There is also a new crepe stand in that area. Unfortunately, I didn’t wait in line to try one, but I will be back soon!